Merchandiser with on-product financial payment system

ABSTRACT

A merchandiser for storing a product for purchase by a customer is disclosed. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; a door coupled to the housing; a platform located in the cavity for holding the product; a load sensor structured to determine a weight of the product; and a controller coupled to the load sensor. The controller is structured to unlock the door based on a validation of payment information of the customer, and determine a weight of product removed during a transaction for the product based on a value regarding the weight of the product removed during the transaction being substantially constant for a preset amount of time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/264,422 titled “MERCHANDISER WITH ON-PRODUCT FINANCIAL PAYMENTSYSTEM,” filed Jan. 31, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/921,413 titled “ICE MERCHANDISER WITH ON-PRODUCTFINANCIAL PAYMENT SYSTEM,” filed Oct. 23, 2015, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/068,336 titled “ICEMERCHANDISER,” filed Oct. 24, 2014, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to ice merchandisers for storing andproviding an ice product to customers.

BACKGROUND

Ice merchandisers store and supply ice products (e.g., bagged ice) topatrons. Typically, ice merchandisers are located in or aroundconvenient stores (e.g., a grocery store, a fueling station, etc.). Manypatrons of these convenient stores complement their purchases with oneor more bags of ice stored in the ice merchandiser.

Ice merchandisers are usually fairly large and heavytemperature-controlled storage units. Their size and shape is oftendependent upon the ice product that they are designed to store (e.g.,one-hundred seven pound bags of ice, three-hundred seven pound bags ofice, etc.), the presence of a refrigeration system, the use ofheavy-duty weather-resistant (e.g., rust resistant) materials, and thelike. In operation, a patron opens a door of the ice merchandiser,reaches their arms within an interior volume of the ice merchandiser,and removes the ice product from the ice merchandiser. In someconfigurations, the interior volume may include a platform or shelvingsystem structured to support the ice products. After obtaining the iceproduct, the door is shut to maintain the temperature of the interiorvolume to prevent the ice product from melting.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice forpurchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a payment systemfor facilitating a bagged ice product transaction at the icemerchandiser. The payment system includes a mass determination modulestructured to determine a mass of bagged ice product removed during thebagged ice product transaction, and a transaction module structured todetermine an amount of currency required for the bagged ice producttransaction based on the determined mass of bagged ice product removed.By including a payment system with the ice merchandiser, patrons maypurchase bagged ice directly at the ice merchandiser thereby alleviatingthe need to make the purchase in a nearby convenient store. This addedconvenience may lead to an increase in sales potential for the operatorof the ice merchandiser.

Another embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged icefor purchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a housingdefining a cavity, a platform located in the cavity for holding a baggedice product, a load cell structured to measure a mass of the bagged iceproduct, and a payment system communicably coupled to the load cell. Thepayment system is structured to determine a mass of bagged ice productremoved during a bagged ice product transaction and determine an amountof currency required for the bagged ice product transaction based on thedetermined mass of bagged ice product removed. By charging a patron on aper-mass-removed basis, the patron is free to change their mindregarding how much ice they would like in the middle of the transaction.This provides flexibility and convenience to the patron.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of operating an icemerchandiser. The method includes receiving an initiation of a baggedice product transaction; validating the bagged ice product transaction;receiving weight data, the weight data corresponding to a mass of baggedice product stored by the ice merchandiser; determining that the baggedice product transaction is complete; determining a mass of bagged iceproduct removed by a customer during the bagged ice product transactionbased on the weight data; and charging the customer for the determinedmass of bagged ice product removed.

One embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice forpurchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a payment systemstructured to enable a patron to facilitate a bagged ice producttransaction at the ice merchandiser, and an access control systemstructured to selectively provide access to the ice merchandiser duringthe bagged ice product transaction based on the payment system providingan indication that payment for the ice product has been validated.Accordingly, the access control system selectively controls access tothe ice merchandiser, which alleviates the need for constant monitoringof the ice merchandiser.

Another embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser. The ice merchandiserincludes a housing defining a cavity for storing a bagged ice product;an opening defined by the housing, wherein the opening provides accessto the cavity of the ice merchandiser; and a door movable between afirst position and a second position, wherein in the first position thedoor covers the opening and in the second position, the door ispositioned away from the opening such that the cavity is accessible. Theice merchandiser also includes a payment system structured to enable apatron to facilitate a bagged ice product transaction at the icemerchandiser, and an access control system structured to selectivelyprovide access to the cavity. The access control system includes one ormore locks configured to selectively lock the door to cover the opening.The access control system also includes a timer mechanism structured tounlock the one or more locks for an unlock position duration followingthe payment system providing an indication that payment for the baggedice product has been validated.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of operating an icemerchandiser. The method includes receiving an initiation of a baggedice product transaction; providing access to the ice merchandiser for anunlock position duration; receiving position data, the position dataproviding an indication of at least one of a position of a door for theice merchandiser and a door-to-ice merchandiser contact area;determining that the bagged ice product transaction is complete; andlocking the door of the ice merchandiser to prohibit access to the icemerchandiser.

One embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice forpurchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a housing defininga cavity, and a platform located in the cavity for holding and supplyinga bagged ice product. The platform is structured to elevate based onbagged ice product being removed from the platform, wherein the platformis movable between a loaded position height and an ice product removalheight. According to one embodiment, the self-elevating platform isconfigured to maintain an ergonomic ice product removal height toalleviate much of the need for the patron to bend over into the icemerchandiser. As a result, injury caused from the lifting and removingof the bagged ice product, such as back strain, may be reduced.

Another embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser. The ice merchandiserincludes a housing defining a cavity and a self-elevating platformassembly located in the cavity for holding and supplying a bagged iceproduct. The self-elevating platform assembly includes a platformstructured to hold the bagged ice product, one or more springs coupledto the platform, and a support frame coupled to the one or more springs.The one or more springs are structured to move the platform between aloaded position height and an ice product removal height based on atleast one of bagged ice product being added to and removed from theplatform.

Still another embodiment relates to method of operating an icemerchandiser. The method includes receiving a bagged ice product on aplatform of the ice merchandiser; descending the platform toward aground surface based on the received bagged ice product; providing atleast a portion of the received bagged ice product; and elevating theplatform based on the at least a portion of the bagged ice product beingprovided.

One embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice forpurchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a housing defininga cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access to thecavity of the ice merchandiser; a door including a window for viewinginto the cavity, wherein the door is movable between a first positionand a second position, wherein in the first position the door covers theopening and in the second position, the door is positioned away from theopening such that the cavity is accessible; a handle located on thedoor; and an anti-microbial coating, wherein the anti-microbial coatingis provided on the handle and an interior surface of the housing withinthe cavity. The anti-microbial coating is configured to at least partlykill or inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms to thereby maintain arelatively hygienic ice merchandiser.

Another embodiment relates to an ice merchandiser for storing bagged icefor purchase by a customer. The ice merchandiser includes a housingdefining a cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access tothe cavity of the ice merchandiser; a door that is movable between afirst position and a second position, wherein in the first position thedoor covers the opening and in the second position, the door ispositioned away from the opening such that the cavity is accessible; andan ultraviolet lamp located in the cavity of the ice merchandiser.According to one embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp is configured to emita germicidal beam that is configured to kill or inhibit growth ofharmful microorganisms to thereby maintain a relatively hygienic icemerchandiser.

Still another embodiment relates to a method of providing hygienic icemerchandiser. The method includes providing an ice merchandiser thatincludes a housing defining a cavity and an opening, wherein the openingprovides access to the cavity of the ice merchandiser; providing anultraviolet lamp in the cavity of the ice merchandiser; and providing ananti-microbial coating on a surface of the housing.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristicsof the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toimpart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features, details, components,materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation.In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognizedin certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present inall embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a two-door ice merchandiser with both doors in the full closeposition, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a two-door ice merchandiser with one door in the full closeposition and the other door in the full open position, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a two-door ice merchandiser with both doors in the full openposition, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict an ice merchandiser with a self-elevating platform,according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5B depict an ice merchandiser with a self-elevating platform,according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict an ice merchandiser with a self-elevating platform,according to still another embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7B depict an ice merchandiser with a self-elevating platform,according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ice merchandiser witha self-elevating platform, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic block diagram of the components of the icemerchandiser, according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 10A-10B depict a system for providing access to an icemerchandiser, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts another system for providing access to an icemerchandiser, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a controller for an ice merchandiser,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method of operating a financial paymentsystem included with an ice merchandiser, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method of operating an ice merchandiser withan access control system and a financial payment system, according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a two-door ice merchandiser that includes anti-microbial andhydrophobic coatings with both doors in the full close position,according to one embodiment

FIG. 16 is a two-door ice merchandiser that includes anti-microbial andhydrophobic coatings with one door in the full close position and theother door in the full open position, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a two-door ice merchandiser with anti-microbial andhydrophobic coatings with both doors in the full open position,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of an ice merchandiser with anultraviolet lamp, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a close-up view of the window of the door of the icemerchandiser in FIG. 18, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a window for an ice merchandiser with athin film, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates bagged ice for the ice merchandiser withanti-microbial and hydrophobic coatings, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method of providing a hygienic icemerchandiser, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of an input/output device for an icemerchandiser, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Referring to the Figures generally, an ice merchandiser with variouslocking/unlocking systems (i.e., access control systems), self-elevatingplatforms, weight sensing systems, financial payment systems, and “cleanand clear” features are shown according to several embodiments herein.Ice merchandisers are structured to store and supply an ice product(e.g., bagged ice) to patrons. Typically, ice merchandisers are locatedin and/or around convenience stores, grocery stores, and other retailestablishments. Many ice merchandisers are located outside of thesestores (e.g., against an exterior wall of a fuel stop) to permitconvenient access. According to the present disclosure, an icemerchandiser includes a financial payment system that enables patrons topurchase ice product directly at the ice merchandiser, which increasesthe convenience aspect of the ice merchandiser. The ice merchandiser ofthe present disclosure also includes a controller communicably coupledto one or more load cells for determining the amount of ice productwithin the ice merchandiser or removed by a patron. Based on the amountof ice product removed, the controller determines how much to charge thepatron. In this regard, the ice merchandiser becomes a self-serveapparatus. Accordingly, the ice merchandiser may provide convenience topatrons and attendants/operators alike who no longer need to monitor theice merchandiser as frequently. Furthermore, this self-service aspectenables the ice products to be purchase-ready twenty-four hours a day,which may increase the sales potential for the ice merchandiser. Whilethe ice products may be purchase-ready twenty-four hours a day, anaccess control system may also be included with the ice merchandiser toselectively control access to the ice merchandiser to minimize theft andthe need for monitoring of the ice merchandiser. In certain embodiments,the financial payment system and access control system may operate inunison to permit/prohibit access to the ice merchandiser. The icemerchandiser of the present disclosure may also include one or moreergonomic features structured to further aid convenience in interactingwith the ice merchandiser. For example, in one embodiment, the icemerchandiser includes a self-elevating platform. The self-elevatingplatform is structured to receive and hold the ice product. As iceproduct is removed, the self-elevating platform elevates to an ergonomicheight to facilitate removal of the ice product from the icemerchandiser. In this regard, patrons do not need to bend over as far toreach and lift out the ice product, which increases convenience, reducesthe likelihood of injury, and may increase sales potential due to theease of product removal.

Moreover, currently, patrons and distributors make several points ofcontact with the ice merchandiser to obtain the ice product. Thiscontact increases the potential introduction of microbial contaminationinto the ice merchandiser. The opening and closing of the icemerchandiser also encourages frost build-up. The frost build-up mayincur use of additional space within the ice merchandiser, lookunpleasant, and be a source for microbe growth and build-up. Alsoaccording to the present disclosure, an ice merchandiser is providedwith one or more “clean and clear” features. These “clean and clear”features may include, but are not limited to (as described herein), atleast one of an anti-microbial coating, a hydrophobic coating (i.e., ananti-frost coating), and/or an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. The anti-microbialcoating may be applied to handles, windows, and any other contact area(even the bagged ice product itself) of the ice merchandiser. In someembodiments, a UV lamp is also placed within the ice merchandiser. Theanti-microbial coating(s) and the UV lamp may at least partly inhibitthe growth of microbes to maintain a relatively clean (i.e., hygienic)ice merchandiser. The hydrophobic coating may be applied to the interiorwalls of the ice merchandiser to prevent or eliminate frost build-upwithin the ice merchandiser. As a result, the ice merchandiser of thepresent disclosure may reduce frost build-up to maintain a relativelylarger space within the ice merchandiser to store bagged ice product andreduce harmful microbe growth by the UV lamp and/or anti-microbialcoatings to reduce the transmission of sickness. As a result, anincrease in customer satisfaction may occur, which may lead to anincrease in sales potential. These and other features of the icemerchandiser of the present disclosure are described more fully herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an ice merchandiser is shown according toseveral embodiments. The ice merchandiser 100 is structured as atemperature controlled case for storing, holding, and supplying iceproducts (e.g., bagged ice) to patrons. As shown, the ice merchandiser100 is structured as a slant (relative to a ground surface) verticallyoriented (i.e., upright) ice merchandiser with front access doors 120,122 that are at an angle relative to the ground (or floor) 7 that theice merchandiser 100 rests upon. However, the present disclosure isapplicable to any ice merchandiser configuration including, but notlimited to: a vertically oriented (i.e., upright) ice merchandiser wherethe door(s) are substantially perpendicular to the ground, a horizontalice merchandiser with access door(s) oriented substantially parallel tothe ground or floor, and the like. Generally, the two-door embodiment ofthe ice merchandiser 100 includes a housing 110, a first door 120 and afirst handle 123, a second door 122 and a second handle 124, a panel130, a cooling system 140, and an input/output device 150. Otherfeatures of the ice merchandiser are described more fully herein. Inregard to FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 1 depicts the first door 120 and second door122 in the full close position, FIG. 2 depicts the first door 120 in thefull open position and the second door 122 in the full close position,and FIG. 3 depicts the first and second doors 120, 122 in the full openposition. For clarity and ease of explanation, FIGS. 1-3 are describedcollectively below.

As mentioned above, the ice merchandiser 100 may be located in outdoorenvironments. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the housing 110 isconstructed from weather-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel). Inthis regard, when the ice merchandiser 100 is placed in the outsideenvironment, degradation of the ice merchandiser 100 from variousweather conditions (e.g., rain) is substantially prevented. In variousother embodiments, the housing 110 may be constructed from any suitablematerial that insulates the cavity 180 and/or substantially protects theice merchandiser from degradation (e.g., steel, insulating foam, etc.).As described more fully below, the housing 110 may include a panel 130and a crown 111 positioned vertically above the panel 130 and coupledthereto. In one embodiment, the panel 130 and crown 111 are of unitaryconstruction (i.e., a single piece or component) while in anotherembodiment, the panel 130 and 111 are coupled together and are separatecomponents.

The panel 130 may be made out of any suitable material structured to aidinsulation of the cavity 180. According to one embodiment, the panel 130is constructed from any material that is able to withstand orsubstantially withstand exposure to extended periods in outdoorenvironments (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, sunlight, etc.). In oneembodiment, the panel 130 is constructed from one or more compositematerials (e.g., plastics such as polyethylene, rubber, etc.). In otherembodiments, the panel 130 is constructed from one or moreweather-resistant metals or alloys (e.g., stainless steel). The crown111 may be constructed the same or similar to the panel 130 (i.e.,composite materials, metal or alloys, some combination therewith, etc.).Therefore, in certain embodiments, the ice merchandiser 100 isconstructed from both a metal and composite materials.

In the example configurations depicted, the ice merchandiser 100includes a first door 120 and a second door 122. Each of the doors 120,122 are movable between a first position and a second position. FIG. 1depicts the first door 120 and the second door 122 in the firstposition. The first position refers to a closed position of the doors.In the first position, access to a cavity 180 defined by the housing 110(see FIG. 3) is substantially prevented via the doors 120, 122substantially covering openings 170, 171 (see FIG. 3). Thus, the doors120, 122 are proximate the housing 110 and openings 170, 171 in thefirst position. In the second position, the doors 120, 122 are spacedapart from the openings 170, 171 and housing 110. The second positionrefers to an open position. In the second position, access to the cavity180 is permitted through one or more of the openings 170, 171 due to oneor more of the doors 120, 122 being moved away from the housing 110. Inoperation, a user may grab one of the handles (e.g., first handle 123)to pull one of the doors (e.g., first door 120) away from the housing110 in order to gain access to the cavity 180. In FIG. 2, the first door120 is in the open position while the second door 122 is in the closedposition. In FIG. 3, both doors 120, 122 are in the open position. Itshould be understood that in other ice merchandiser configurations, morethan two or less than two doors may be utilized. The two-door embodimentshown and described herein is for example purposes only with all suchvariations intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

The ice merchandiser 100 is shown to include a cooling system 140. Thecooling system 140 is structured to cool the cavity 180 to a desiredtemperature (e.g., maintain a cavity temperature at or below the meltingtemperature of ice to substantially prevent the ice product frommelting). The cooling system 140 may include any type of components forcooling the cavity 180. In turn, the cooling system 140 may include, butis not limited to, one or more compressors, evaporator coils, condensercoils, conduit, valves, fan(s), a refrigerant source, etc. AlthoughFIGS. 1-2 depict the cooling system 140 located in the bottom of thehousing 110, the cooling system 140 may be located in any suitableposition that enables the cooling system 140 to cool/refrigerate thecavity 180. For example, the cooling system 140 may be located near thetop of the housing 110. In this regard, the crown 111 may conceal andshield and/or mostly conceal and shield the cooling system 140.

As mentioned above, the housing 110 is shown to include a panel 130. Thepanel 130 is structured to aid insulation of the cavity 180 defined bythe housing 110. As shown, the panel 130 is coupled to the first andsecond doors 120, 122. In other embodiments, the doors 120, 122 may becoupled directly to the housing 110. The panel 130 includes a left side131 and a right side 132. As shown, the panel 130 substantiallysurrounds the housing 110. In this example, left side panel 131 andright side panel 132 are separated by a gap. The input/output device 150is located in this gap defined by the left and right side panels 131,132. The panel 130 also defines openings 170, 171 across the front ofthe panel 130 that provide access to the cavity 180 (the openings 170,171 are also defined by the housing 110). In various other embodiments,the panel 130 may extend across the entire (or most of) the front of thehousing 110, such that there are no left and right panels. In otherembodiments, the ice merchandiser 100 may not include a panel, such aspanel 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 3).

As shown, the panel 130 includes an edge 133 that is at an anglerelative to a bottom edge 134 of the (left and right side) panel 130.Due to this angle, the edge 133 and bottom edge 134 define a recess 135.The recess 135 is sized and structured to receive at least a portion ofa foot (or feet) of a patron(s). In operation, a patron is able to placea portion of their foot (or feet) in the recess 135, such that therecess 135 wedges their foot (or feet) to stabilize the patron as theyreach through an opening into the cavity 180 to remove one or more iceproducts. Due to the ice products varying in size and weight (e.g.,three-pound to twenty-pound bag), a patron bends over, reaches in thecavity, and typically stabilizes the lifting of one or more bagged iceproducts via his/her back. This may cause strain, injury, and pain tothe user. Accordingly, the recess 135 may substantially prevent his/herfeet from slipping to ensure stability, such that the patron need notrely as heavily on their back to lift and remove the bagged ice product.

As described herein below, the input/output device 150 is any devicethat can receive an input and, in some embodiments, provide an output.In this regard, the input/output device 150 may include a display 151and a payment receptor, shown as a card reader 152. The display 151 maybe configured as a touchscreen or any other type of screen. The cardreader 152 may be adapted for receiving a card (e.g., debit card, creditcard, gift card, etc.) for paying for the ice product stored by themerchandiser 100. In this regard, the card reader 152 may becommunicably and operatively coupled to a payment processing system(e.g., credit-card network). In other embodiments, the input/outputdevice 150 may include a cash/coin receptor/provider for receiving andproviding cash/coins for facilitating an ice product transaction. Inthis regard, a patron may pay for the ice product using means other thana card. In some embodiments, the input/output device 150 may include oneor both of the card reader 152 and the cash receptor/provider.

An example configuration for an input/output device for the icemerchandiser is shown in FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 23, the input/outputdevice includes the display 151 and the card reader 152, where thedisplay 151 is positioned above the card reader 152. The display 151 maybe used to provide any information desired (e.g., pricing informationfor the ice product, discounts, current sales, an inventory status likeshown, etc.). The display 151 may also be used by the patron to inputinformation, such as verification information for using the card reader152 (e.g., zip code, security code, etc.). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 23,the surface 2302 between the doors 120, 122 defines a recess 2301.Placing the input/output device 150 within the recess 2301 on a surface2307 provides shielding to the input/output device 150 from weatherelements (e.g., rain, etc.) and provides security for users who desireprivacy when using the ice merchandiser 100. As also shown in FIG. 23,insignia comprising directions 2305 for use may be placed on the surface2307 housing the input/output device 150. Moreover, the surface 2307 isshown to be attached to the housing via a plurality of fasteners 2308(e.g., screws, welds, rivets, etc.). However, in other embodiments, thesurface 2307 may be applied via an adhesive to the housing of the icemerchandiser or be integral with the housing (e.g., a one-piececomponent). To ease use of the vended ice merchandiser, a plurality oflights 2306 are shown to surround the surface 2307. These lights 2306(e.g., LEDs, etc.) may be pre-programmed to activate during periods oflow-ambient light. Further, the lights 2306 may provide ornamentalityand an appealing feature to the ice merchandiser, such that the patternand arrangement of the lights is highly configurable. The same is truein regard to the surface 2307 relative to the surface 2302 and therecess 2301: the shape and size of this surface 2307 is highlyconfigurable and may change from application-to-application.

In certain instances, managerial control may also be provided via thesystem (i.e., access to control certain operations of the icemerchandiser that is only allowed to certain users). In the exampleshown in FIG. 23, a mode control device 2303 is shown. The mode controldevice 2303 is adapted to place the control system (e.g., controller960) for the merchandiser 100 into a “run” mode or a “setup” mode. The“run” mode indicates that the ice merchandiser is operational. That isto say, a user may use the financial payment system to purchase iceproduct at the ice merchandiser 100. In comparison, the “setup” mode maybe used by the user to define the run mode provisions (e.g.,cost-per-unit mass, when alerts are provided to refill the merchandiser,how alerts are provided (e.g., email, text message, etc.), when thedoor(s) lock, etc.). Further, the example of FIG. 23 is also shown toinclude a lockout device 2304. The lockout device 2304 is movablebetween a door unlock position and door lock position. In this regard,the manager or user may permanently hold the doors(s) lock or unlocked(e.g., keep the doors unlocked while the merchandiser is stocked). Asshown, each of the lockout device 2304 and the mode control device 2303are key actuated (e.g., a user uses a key to rotate between theaforementioned positions). These keys may be different in structure orthe same depending on the level of control desired by the manager oroperator of the ice merchandiser 100. In other embodiments, otheractuation devices can be used. For example, a touchscreen may be usedthat has a biometric security device (e.g., thumbprint scanner) and/orpasscode security device (e.g., an alphanumeric code, etc.) that allowsa manager or other designated user to access the mode controls or doorlock/unlock controls. In another example, the actuation device may be akey FOB, where access to the controls is based on the key FOB beingwithin a predefined distance of the merchandiser 100. In this regard, adesignated user may be in control of the key FOB in order to restrictaccess to the control system of merchandiser 100. In still anotherexample, the actuation device may be another card reader, where theanother card reader is configured to receive an access card. The accesscard (as well as the key FOB, passcode and/or biometric devices, etc.)may have different privileges that define what the designated user mayaccess and consequently control (e.g., only the door lock/unlockcontrol, both the setup and door unlock/lock controls, etc.).Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatother actuation devices may also be used. Other features of theinput/output device 150 are described more fully herein below.

As mentioned above, the housing 110 defines a cavity 180 (see, e.g.,FIG. 2). The cavity 180 is structured as an interior volume forreceiving, storing, and supplying the ice product. Depending on the typeof and application for the ice merchandiser 100, the size and shape ofthe cavity 180 may vary. For example, the cavity 180 may have fortycubic feet capacity, forty-six cubic feet capacity, seventy-five cubicfeet, etc. Moreover, the cavity 180 may be compartmentalized with one ormore walls between adjoining cavities. In some instances, eachsub-cavity may be designed to hold a different ice product and thesub-cavity shapes may vary (e.g., square prism, rectangular prism,etc.). Furthermore, based on the size of the cavity 180, the number ofbagged ice products may vary from application-to-application.

Similar to the bottom or lower recess 135, as shown in FIG. 1, the panel130 and crown 111 define a gap 112 (e.g., crevice, cavity, recess,etc.). In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2, the gap 112 may receivean illuminator 113. The illuminator 113 may include any type ofillumination source including, but not limited to, a bulb, a lightemitting diode (LED), a glow-in-the-dark strip, etc. Beneficially, theilluminator 113 may provide a visually aesthetic feature as well asilluminating any signage included on the crown 111 (e.g., “ICE”,branding, trademarks, etc.). Further, when the cooling system 140 ispositioned on top of the merchandiser 100 (e.g., behind the crown 111),the illumination from the illuminator 113 may function to hide thecooling system 140 thereby improving the visual aesthetics of themerchandiser 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ice merchandiser 100 includes a platform 175(or, e.g., shelving system) located within the cavity 180 that supportsthe ice product. According to one embodiment, the ice product is baggedice, which is shown as bagged ice 300, 301 to represent the variety ofdifferent ice products that may be stored by the ice merchandiser (e.g.,a one-pound bag of ice, a three-pound bag of ice, a seven-pound bag ofice, etc.). As shown, the platform 175 and cavity 180 extend between thetwo access openings 170 and 171. As mentioned above, in various otherembodiments, the cavity 180 may be split up into compartments andseparated by one or more walls or boundaries within the cavity 180. Inthis regard, different ice products (or, other products, such as food)may be stored within each cavity or enclosure. All such cavityconfigurations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Ergonomic Features

As mentioned above, a recess 135 defined by two edges of the panel 130(or, by an edge 133 of the panel and a bottom edge of the housing 110)may provide stability to a user to ease retrieval of the ice product.While the recess 135 is one ergonomic feature provided by the icemerchandiser 100 of the present disclosure, the ice merchandiser 100 mayinclude many other ergonomic features as well that are structured toprovide convenience to users of the ice merchandiser 100. Thisconvenience may take the form of strain-reduction (e.g., aninjury-reducing mechanism, such as a patron not needing to bend over asfar due to a self-elevating platform, which is described below) and/oran ease-of-use convenience (e.g., an on-product financial payment systemthat allows patrons to purchase ice products directly at the icemerchandiser without store clerk interaction, which is also describedbelow). Additional ergonomic features are shown in regard to FIGS. 1-3.

As shown, the door handles 123, 124 are lengthened and positioned at anangle for easier grasping and opening during the ice retrieval process.In FIG. 2, door handle 124 is at an angle 5 relative to a plane 6 thatis parallel with a ground surface 7. Moreover, the length 8 of the doorhandle 124 is substantially the length of the door 120. According to anexemplary embodiment, the handle(s) is configured to improve andfacilitate use by the left or right hand of a user. In one embodiment,this is accomplished by the handle(s) being angled away from theopposite door (i.e., handle 124 is angled away from the first door 120).In one-door embodiments, the handle is angled away from the user. Asmentioned above, the angled and lengthened door handles facilitateeasier control of the door. While these features are indicated byreference numerals in FIG. 2 in regard to the second door 122, it shouldbe understood that the same features may be utilized with the first door120.

According to one embodiment, the door(s) is set to an ergonomic height 9relative to a ground surface 7. In one embodiment, the ergonomic heightis between approximately twenty-six and thirty-five inches (from abottom edge of the door to the ground surface 7). Similarly, in oneembodiment, the bottom edge of the opening (e.g., openings 170 and 171)is set to an ergonomic height. In one embodiment, this ergonomic heightis approximately 31.5 inches. As described below, in one embodiment, theself-elevating platform is structured to maintain a platform height(e.g., height 440 in FIG. 4A) substantially equal to the bottom edge ofthe opening height relative to a ground surface 7. In a similar regard,to accommodate men and women with relative ease, the input/output device150 may also be situated at an ergonomic height 10 relative to theground surface 7. In one embodiment, the ergonomic height 10 is betweenapproximately forty-two and fifty-six inches.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-7B, the housing 110 andpanel 130 where the doors 120, 122 are situated may be at an angle 12(FIG. 4A), such that the housing 110 and panel 130 with the doors 120,122 are angled toward the back 14 of the ice merchandiser 100. In turn,a user may be able to stabilize themselves better as they bend into thecavity 180 to remove the ice product. For example, the user does notneed to reach back (away from the back 14 of the ice merchandiser 100)to support themselves on the housing 110 when they bend towards the back14 of the ice merchandiser. Rather, the user may assume a more naturalsupport position on the housing 110 due to it being at an angle 12toward the back 14 of the ice merchandiser 100. Furthermore, when theuser bends over to remove the ice product, they are less likely to hittheir head on the ice merchandiser 100 causing injury.

These and other features described below provide the ice merchandiser100 of the present disclosure with an ergonomic appeal to potentialcustomers, which may lead to an increase in sales potential.

Self-Elevating Platform

According to one embodiment, the platform 175 is structured as aself-elevating platform structured to elevate to an ice product (e.g., abagged ice product, such as bagged ice product 300, 301) removal height.When the platform is fully or mostly full loaded (e.g., holding a nearmaximum amount of weight, quantity, and/or volume of ice products), theplatform is at a loaded position. As ice product is removed, theplatform self-elevates to aid product retrieval via the openings 170,171 (i.e., another ergonomic feature of the ice merchandiser 100). Inmany instances, ice products are stacked upon each other within the icemerchandiser 100. Patrons may be able to relatively easily lift andremove the ice products near the top of the stack, but once only thebottom of the stack of ice products remain, patrons need to increasetheir reach and/or bend over further in order to lift and remove thoseice products. This reaching may cause back strain, injury, and otherwisedisinterest the patron in purchasing the ice product. According to thepresent disclosure, the platform 175 elevates upon the removal of iceproducts to maintain or substantially maintain the ice product at anideal product removal height. According to one embodiment, the idealproduct removal height (i.e., the ice product removal height) is betweenapproximately (i.e., plus-or-minus two inches) 26 and 35 inches relativeto a ground surface 7 that the ice merchandiser 100 rests upon. However,the ice product removal height is highly configurable such that otherembodiments may use different product removal heights. In someconfigurations, more than one self-elevating platform 175 may beincluded in the ice merchandiser 100. In these instances, the iceproduct removal height may vary for each platform that holds a differenttype of ice product in the ice merchandiser 100.

According to one embodiment, the ice product removal height is based onthe type of ice product on the platform 175, where different types ofice products have different ice product removal heights. In oneinstance, heavier bagged ice products have higher ice product removalheights than lighter (weight) bagged ice products. For example, atwenty-pound bagged ice product may have an ice product removal heightat approximately 35 inches whereas a three-pound bagged ice product mayhave an ice product removal at approximately 26 inches. As relativelyheavier items (e.g., bagged ice product) may cause a relatively greateramount of strain from lifting them, the self-elevating platform may bestructured to elevate these bagged ice products to relatively higherremoval heights to reduce the potential for back or other strain. Inother embodiments, an opposite configuration may be utilized: relativelylighter bagged ice products are elevated to a height greater or higherthan that of relatively heavier bagged ice products. This configurationmay be chosen due to the relatively lighter bagged ice productsoccupying a smaller volume (e.g., the bigger bag is easier to grab thanthe smaller bag). In still other embodiments, the ice product removalheight may be uniform regardless of the ice product stored thereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-7B, various self-elevating platformconfigurations are shown according to several example embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4C depict a spring-actuated self-elevating platform, accordingto one embodiments. FIGS. 4A-4B depict side cross-sectional views of theice merchandiser, while FIG. 4C depicts the self-elevating assembly 400individually. Referring collectively to FIGS. 4A-4C, the self-elevatingplatform assembly 400 includes a platform 175 and a support frame 410.In this example, the platform 175 is structured as a substantially flatrectangular or square structure. In one embodiment, the platform 175rests upon actuators 420, 421, 422, and 423, such that the platform 175is not physically attached to the frame 410. In another embodiment, theplatform 175 is coupled (e.g., welded, brazed, glued, or any otherjoining process) to actuators 420, 421, 422, and 423 to attach theplatform 175 to the frame 410. Actuators 420, 421, 422, and 423 arecoupled (e.g., welded, brazed, glued, or any other joining process) tosupport frame 410. In other embodiments, the platform 175 may beattached to any other portion of the support frame 410 as long as theactuators 420-423 are able to move the platform 175. In the example ofFIGS. 4A-4C, the actuators 420-423 are structured as springs, such thatthe platform 175 rests upon four springs located in each corner of thesupport frame 410. In various other embodiments, the number and locationof the actuators may vary. Moreover, other types of actuators may beutilized. Actuator types may include, but are not limited to, hydrauliccylinders, pneumatic actuators, an electric actuator (e.g., an electricmotor), a mechanical actuator (like the springs of FIGS. 4A-4C), and thelike. For the purposes of the discussion herein in regards to FIGS.4A-4C, actuators 420-423 will be referred to as springs 420, 421, 422,and 423 (or, springs 420-423). However, as mentioned above, springs420-423 may be replaced and/or used with one or more other types ofactuators previously described.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the support frame 410 may be coupled tosupports 450 and 452. Supports 450 and 452 stabilize and hold thesupport frame 410 (and, consequently, the platform 175). The supports450 and 452 may be coupled to the ice merchandiser 100. Although onlytwo supports 450 and 452 are depicted, any number of supports may beused. In some embodiments, no supports may be utilized such that theself-elevating platform assembly 400 rests on or substantially on aninterior bottom surface 480 of the cavity 180.

In operation, bagged ice products 300 are loaded on platform 175. Theweight of the bagged ice products depresses the springs 420-423 to lowerthe platform 175 to a loaded position height 440 (relative to a groundsurface that the ice merchandiser 100 rests upon). According to oneembodiment, the loaded position height 440 is no less than approximately20 inches relative to the ground surface. As bagged ice products 300 areremoved (FIG. 4B), the springs 420-423 expand and elevate the platform175 to an ice product removal height 442. As mentioned above, accordingto one embodiment, the ice product removal height may be betweenapproximately 26 and 35 inches in order to provide ergonomic benefit toa patron. In the example shown, the ice product removal height 442 isgreater than the loaded position height 440. According to anotherembodiment, the ice merchandiser 100 may include a window 470 forviewing the ice product within the cavity 180. As shown in FIG. 4B, theice product removal height 442 is approximately equal to the height of abottom edge of the window 470 relative to the ground surface. In thisregard, ice product may be maintained within the viewing area of thepatrons, such that even ice product located near the bottom of a stackthat would not otherwise be visible is now clearly displayed to patrons.This may promote sales because the patrons are able to see that the icemerchandiser is stocked with product.

The amount of expansion of the springs 420-423 relative to the loadedposition height 440 may vary based on the spring stiffness and springlength chosen. For example, in cases where no supports are used, thespring length may be relatively longer to account for the platform 175being relatively closer to the bottom surface 480. In certainembodiments, at least one of the spring stiffness and spring length forat least one spring may be different relative to the other springs. Forexample, springs near the front of the ice merchandiser 100 (i.e.,closest to the doors, such as door 120) may be relatively shorter inlength than springs near the back of the ice merchandiser 100. As such,as the ice product is removed, the platform 175 elevates at an anglesuch that the portion of the platform nearest the back 14 of the icemerchandiser is at a height (relative to the ground surface) higher thanthe portion of the platform 175 nearest the front of the icemerchandiser 100. The angle of the platform 175 may provide additionalergonomic benefits by causing ice products near the back of the icemerchandiser to slide (from gravity) to the front of the icemerchandiser to aid easy retrieval by a patron.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, load sensors (e.g., load cells) are includedwith at least one of the self-elevating platform assembly 400 and theice merchandiser 100. The self-elevating platform assembly 400 is shownto include load cells 430 and 431 and the ice merchandiser 100 is shownto include load cells 460 and 461 (not shown are the load cells on theother side of the ice merchandiser and assembly). The load cells arestructured to measure, estimate, and/or determine a mass (or weight) onthe platform 175. Two locations for the load cells are shown to indicateexample locations. According to one embodiment, the load cells (i.e.,load cells 460 and 461) are located outside of the cavity 180. In turn,the cool temperature of the cavity 180 is substantially prevented fromtransmitting to the load cells. This may prevent the cold temperaturefrom having adverse effects on the load cells (e.g., freezing andbecoming non-operational). However, in the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C,the load cells 430 and 431 are included with the platform assembly 400that is located within the cavity 180. All variations are intended tofall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thefunctionality of the load cells with the ice merchandiser 100 isdescribed more fully herein in regard to the financial payment system.

It should be understood that FIGS. 5A-7B include self-elevating platformassemblies according to various other embodiments. However, the iceproduct removal height (e.g., based on the type of ice productsupported, based on a location of a window, an ergonomic value, etc.)feature may be substantially analogous to that described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B, a self-elevating platform assembly 500 isshown according to another example embodiment. The assembly 500 is shownto include a cable 505 interconnecting a bin 510 with a spring 515. Theassembly further includes a pulley 520 coupled to the housing 110 and ahinge 525 (e.g., pivot point) operatively coupled to the housing 110 andthe bin 510. In this regard, the bin 510 may elevate or de-elevate torotate about the hinge 525. The bin 510 is structured to hold andprovide the ice product. The pulley 520 (e.g., sheave, drum, roller,wheel, etc.) and spring 515 are coupled (e.g., one or more fasteners) tointerior surfaces of the ice merchandiser 100 within the cavity 180.According to one embodiment, the spring 515 is structured as an axialspring. The pulley 520 translates the downward force applied by a loadedbin to an axial force to pull or expand the spring 515. The cable 505 iscoupled to the bin 510 (e.g., via one or more fasteners, welding,brazing, and/or any other joining process). The bin 510 is shown toinclude a surface 511 that the ice product rests upon. While the bin 510is shown to be substantially rectangular in shape, any other shape maybe used (e.g., triangular prism) as long as the bin 510 is able to storeand supply the ice product. According to one embodiment, the bin 510 maybe rigid (i.e., non-deformable), such that bin 510 may be constructedfrom rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Depending on the size andstructure of the ice merchandiser, more than one pulley 520, spring 515,and cable 505 may be used. Moreover, more than one bin 510 may be used,such that each bin has its own pulley, spring, and cable assembly. Thisconfiguration may be used where the bins are designed to hold differentice products, such that their self-elevation amounts may differ. Thelength and stiffness of the spring 515 may control the extent ofelevation of the bin 510. In some embodiments, the cable 505 may includean elasticity element, such that the cable 505 also impacts the amountof elevation of the bin 510. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, thecable 505 is constructed from a substantially rigid material (e.g.,metal cable) while in other embodiments the cable 505 is constructedfrom an elastic material (e.g., rubber).

In FIG. 5A, the bin 510 is fully loaded with ice product. In FIG. 5B,the bin 510 is nearly empty of the ice product. When the bin 510 isfully loaded, the weight of the ice product causes a downward force(toward the ground surface) that is transmitted via the pulley 520 topull or expand the spring 515. As the spring 515 expands, the bin 510rotates in a clockwise direction 550 about the hinge 525 toward theground surface. The lowest height corresponds with a loaded positionheight 540 between a bottom surface of the bin 510 and the groundsurface. As ice product is removed, the force on the spring decreasescausing the spring 515 to contract. The contraction of the spring 515pulls the cable 505 and causes the bin 510 to elevate by rotating in acounterclockwise direction 552 about the hinge 525 into an ice productremoval height 542.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a self-elevating platform assembly 600 according toanother example embodiment. The self-elevating platform assembly 600includes a cable 605 coupled to a spring 615 and a sling 610. The spring615 is coupled (e.g., via one or more fasteners or other joiningprocess(es)) to an interior wall of the ice merchandiser 100. As shown,a first end 611 of the sling 610 is coupled to the cable 605 while asecond end 612 of the sling 610 is coupled to the a pivot 620. Accordingto one embodiment, the pivot 620 is fixedly attached to the icemerchandiser 100. While the sling 610 is structured to move based on theweight of ice product rested upon it, the pivot 620 remains stationary.While the spring 515 of FIGS. 5A-5B may be structured as an axial typespring (due to the presence of the pulley 520), the spring 615 of FIGS.6A-6B is structured as a torsional spring. However, the presentdisclosure contemplates that the spring 615 may be structured as anothertype of spring (e.g., axial, etc.). When the sling 610 is fully ornearly fully loaded, the downward force from the weighted sling 610causes a torque on the spring 615 (via cable 605) that causes the spring615 to twist to permit the sling 610 to extend to a loaded positionheight 640.

The sling 610 may be structured as any type of non-rigid holdingstructure for the ice product. For example, the sling 610 may bestructured as a tarp, a net, and the like. Thus, the sling 610 maystretch when loaded with the ice product and contract when ice productis removed. As the ice is removed, the sling 610 contracts to an iceproduct removal height 642, which is approximately the height of thepivot point 620. Accordingly, to adjust the ice product removal height,the pivot 620 attachment point may be adjusted. In this regard, the icemerchandiser 100 may be re-configurable based on the type of ice productsupplied (e.g., larger and heavier ice products may correspond with apivot height higher than smaller and lighter ice products).

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, a self-elevating platform assembly 700 isdepicted, according to another example embodiment. The assembly 700includes a channel 705 connected to a spring 715. The spring 715 iscoupled (e.g., via one or more fasteners, brackets, etc.) to the icemerchandiser 100. The channel 705 is also coupled to a platform 710. Theplatform 710 includes a top surface 711 that is structured to receiveand supply an ice product to a patron. According to one embodiment, theplatform 710 includes rollers 720 and 722 (e.g., wheels, casters, etc.)that couple the platform 710 to the channel 705. As shown, the platform710 is triangular prism shaped with the top surface 711 slanted towardsthe front of the ice merchandiser 100 (i.e., toward the door 120). Theslant of the top surface 711 provides an ergonomic benefit to patronsbecause ice products placed on the top surface 711 are inclined to slideor move towards the front of ice merchandiser 100. As such, patrons neednot reach as far into the ice merchandiser 100 to retrieve the iceproduct, which may alleviate strain from stretching to obtain the iceproduct.

In operation, bagged ice is placed atop the top surface 711. When fullyloaded, the top surface 711 is at a loaded height 740 relative to aground surface (e.g., support surface) supporting the ice merchandiser100. As bagged ice is removed, the platform 710 elevates. While thechannel 705 is substantially ridged, according to one embodiment, thespring 715 is coupled to the platform 710 via one or more cables (e.g.,rope, string, line, etc.). In this instance, the spring 715 isstructured as a torsion spring, such that when bagged ice is placed onthe platform 710, the spring 715 twists to unravel/release the cable andpermit the platform 710 to travel to the load position height 740. Asbagged ice is removed, the spring 715 twists in an opposite direction towind the cable and pull the platform upward to (eventually) the iceremoval height 742. The rollers 720, 722 engage with the channel 710 toensure or substantially ensure that the platform 710 may only move in anupward and downward direction.

While described above in regard to FIGS. 4A-4C, it should be understoodthat each embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5A-7B includes load cells withthe ice merchandiser 100 (i.e., load cells 530, 531, 630, 631, 730, and731). In each instance, the load cells are located external to thecavity 180 to shield the cold temperature of the cavity from the loadcells. As mentioned above, the function and interconnection of the loadcells is explained more fully below.

With the aforementioned structural description of self-elevatingplatform assemblies according to various embodiments, an example methodof operation is depicted in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of amethod 800 of adjusting a height of a platform that holds an ice productin an ice merchandiser, according to one embodiment. At step 802, an iceproduct is received in an ice merchandiser. According to one embodiment,the ice product corresponds with bagged ice. The bagged ice may come inany shape and size (e.g., a three pound bag, a five pound bag, atwenty-five pound bag, etc.). Based upon the reception of the iceproduct, a platform of the ice merchandiser descends (step 804). Theplatform may be structured as any type platform shown in theaforementioned embodiments (e.g., platform 175 with assembly 400, bin510, sling 610, and platform 710). At step 806, at least a portion ofthe received ice product is provided. For example, a patron may open adoor of the ice merchandiser and retrieve a portion of the ice product.Based on at least a portion of the ice product being provided, theplatform is elevated (step 808). According to one embodiment, theplatform is elevated to an ice product removal height that correspondswith between approximately 26 and 35 inches. At this height, patronsneed not overly bend over to retrieve the ice product, which mayalleviate strain, pain, and the likelihood of injury. According toanother embodiment, the ice product removal height corresponds with aheight of a window on the ice merchandiser, such that ice product isviewable via the window from a patron viewing the window at anorthogonal angle (i.e., not peering into the window at an angle to seethe bottom of the ice merchandiser). This permits patrons located adistance away from the ice merchandiser to still view the ice product.According to still another embodiment, the ice product removal heightmay vary based on the type of ice product held by the platform (e.g.,relatively heavier ice products have a relatively higher ice productremoval height). Moreover, method 800 may be implemented with icemerchandisers including more than one self-elevating platform, with eachplatform have the same or different ice product removal heights. Allsuch variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Control System for Ice Merchandiser

Referring now to FIG. 9, a schematic block diagram 900 of the componentsof the ice merchandiser according to various embodiments is shownaccording to one embodiment. The components depicted in diagram 900 maybe utilized with the ice merchandiser described herein. Accordingly, thediagram 900 may be explained in regard to FIGS. 1-7B. As shown, theblock diagram 900 is separated into a “base model” and a “vended model.”The “vended model” refers to an ice merchandiser with an on-productfinancial payment system that enables users/customers to purchase iceproduct directly from the ice merchandiser. The vended model includesthe same components as the base model, except for the addition of theon-product financial payment system. A vended model is depicted in FIGS.1-2, while a base model is depicted in FIG. 3.

As shown, both the base and vended model include an incoming powersystem 910 coupled to a power supply 930, a cooling system 940, and anaccess control system 950. The incoming power system 910 is structuredto electrically couple the ice merchandiser to an external power source(e.g., a power outlet). Accordingly, the incoming power system 910includes a power cord 901, a filter 902, a power switch 903, and a powerharness 904. The power cord 901 provides an electrical conduit (e.g.,one or more cables, wires, etc.) to relay power from the external sourceto the ice merchandiser. According to one embodiment, the power cord 901is structured as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power cord inorder to substantially prevent an electric shock risk. According toother embodiments, the power cord 901 may be structured as any type ofpower cord capable of relaying power from the external power source. Thepower cord 901 is electrically coupled to the filter 902. The filter 902is structured to dissipate, reduce, and/or otherwise minimizedelectromagnetic interference in the system. According to one embodiment,the filter 902 is structured as a radio-frequency interference (RFI)filter. In other embodiments, the filter 902 may be configured as anytype of electromagnetic interference filter. The filter 902 iselectrically coupled to the power switch 903. The power switch 903 is abutton, switch, or any other control mechanism that either stops (i.e.,an OFF position) or permits (i.e., an ON position) electricity from thepower cord 901 and filter 902 from traveling to the power harness 904.The power harness 904 is any type of power cord or wiring harness thatelectrically connects the ice merchandiser to the rest of the incomingpower system 910 components.

As shown, the power harness 904 is electrically coupled to both analternating current (AC) power system 920 for the ice merchandiser and apower supply 930. The AC power system 920 and power supply 930 areincluded in the vended model of the ice merchandiser. According to theexample embodiment depicted, only the power supply 930 is included withthe base model. According to one embodiment, the power supply 930 isstructured as a direct current (DC) power supply. Accordingly, the powersupply 930 may include any type and number of electrical components usedto provide DC to one or more components (e.g., a rectifier to rectify ACpower from the wall outlet, one or more batteries, etc.). The powersupply 930 is structured to provide power to one or more componentsincluded with the cooling system 940 and the access control system 950.Accordingly, the power supply 930 may be sized to provide adequate powerto both of these sub-systems. According to one embodiment, the powersupply 930 is structured as a 24 volt power supply. The access controlsystem 950 is described under the Access Control System Section herein.

The cooling system 940 is structured to be analogous to the coolingsystem 140 described herein. Accordingly, the cooling 940 may includeany of the components (e.g., compressor, coils, valves, etc.) describedabove and be designed to function like the cooling system 140 describedabove.

Referring now to the vended model components, as mentioned above, theincoming power system 910 may be coupled to the AC power system 920 ofthe ice merchandiser. The AC power system 920 is structured to provideAC power to one or more components of the ice merchandiser. The AC powersystem 920 is shown to include a transformer 921, a harness 922, and acircuit breaker 923. The transformer 921 electronically couples the ACpower system 920 to the incoming power system 910. The transformer 921may be structured as any type of transformer including, but not limitedto, an autotransformer, a polyphase transformer, and the like. Thetransformer 921 provides electricity to the harness 922 which, via thecircuit breaker 923, provides electricity to the controller 960. Asshown, the harness 922 is structured as a 24 Volt AC harness. However,in other embodiments, the harness 922 may be structured to support anytype of voltage and current (e.g., 48 Volt AC, 12 Volt AC, etc.). Thecircuit breaker 923 may be structured as any type of circuit breaker 923that interrupts/disconnects current flow if a fault condition occurs.The harness 922 may include any type of wire (e.g., cable, conduit,etc.) that is capable of transmitting electricity.

As also shown, the vended model may include a display 151 (e.g., thedisplay 151 of input/output device 150 of FIGS. 1-3). Accordingly, thedisplay 151 may provide various types of information to a user orcustomer of the ice merchandiser 100 (e.g., types of ice products housedby the ice merchandiser, cost of each product, types of paymentsaccepted, instructions for how to use the ice merchandiser, a terms andconditions window, etc.).

The vended model may also include a lighting system 980. The lightingsystem 980 may provide illumination or backlighting to one or morecomponents on the ice merchandiser 100 (e.g., signage, lighting aroundthe display (i.e., input/output device 150) to aid vision, backlightingin the cavity 180, backlighting around the doors, etc.). For example,strip lights may substantially surround each door opening. As shown, thelighting system 980 is structured as a light-emitting diode (LED)system. The LED system includes a harness 981 electronically coupled tothe power supply 930 and to LED strips 982. In various otherembodiments, the lighting system 980 may be structured as any type oflighting system (e.g., fluorescent), such that it may be powered by AC(e.g., power system 920) or DC (power supply 930) power systems.

As shown, the controller 960 is coupled to the financial payment system990. The financial payment system 990 includes card reader 152 ofinput/output device 150, harness 991, load cells 992 (e.g., load cells530, 531, 630, 631, 730, and 731), a payment system module 995, and aharness 993. Explanation of the financial payment system 990 isdescribed under the Financial Payment System Section herein.

While FIG. 9 separates components by model (e.g., vended and base), itshould be understood that this demarcation is not meant to be limiting,such that in some embodiments more or fewer components than those shownin FIG. 9 may be used with each model. Similarly, with the exception ofthe financial payment system 990, the base model may include componentsthat are shown as only being included with the vended model (e.g., adisplay 151 may be included with the base model). All such variationsare intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

Access Control System

The access control system 950 is structured to control access to thecavity 180 of the ice merchandiser 100. As mentioned above, many icemerchandisers are situated outside of convenient stores (e.g., a fuelstop) and are left unattended. While this outside environment locationis convenient to patrons, the ice product stored by the ice merchandisermay be vulnerable to theft due to the lack of monitoring and the outsideenvironment. According to the present disclosure, an access controlsystem, such as access control system 950, is implemented with the icemerchandiser to substantially prevent unauthorized ice product removalsfrom the ice merchandisers. In turn, profitability of the icemerchandiser may also increase.

In certain embodiments, the access control system 950 is coupled to thefinancial payment system 990. Accordingly, the access control system 950is structured to selectively provide access to the ice merchandiser 100based on the financial payment system 990 receiving confirmation thatpayment is approved or validated (e.g., the payment card isverified/authorized, a user purchases the ice product at a locationremote from the ice merchandiser and receives an access code that uponentering gives them access to the ice merchandiser, a remote accesscontrol device may actuate the unlock button as in FIG. 10B uponpayment, etc.). In this regard, access to the ice merchandiser 100 islimited to paying customers.

The access control system is shown generally in regard to FIG. 9. Asshown, the access control system 950 includes locks 951 (e.g., locks160, 161, 163, and 164 of FIGS. 2-3), a timer mechanism 952, an accesscontrol device 953, a door position sensor 954 (e.g., door positionsensors 190 and 191 of FIG. 3), and an emergency exit device 955 (e.g.,emergency exit devices 162 and 165). While these features are generallyshown in FIG. 9, an example implementation of such features is shown inregard to FIGS. 1-3. Accordingly, the access control system 950 may beexplained herein below in regard to FIGS. 1-3.

As shown, in FIGS. 1-3, the ice merchandiser 100 includes a lock 160selectively lockable with a lock 161 for the first door 120 and a lock163 selectively lockable with a lock 164 for the second door 122. Whenlocked, the engaged locks 160 and 161 prevent the first door 120 fromopening to provide access to the cavity 180. Similarly, when locked, theengaged locks 163 and 164 prevent the second door 122 from opening toprovide access to the cavity 180. Accordingly, in the first position ofdoors 120, 122, the locks 160 and 161 are engaged and the locks 163 and164 are engaged. In the second position of the doors 120, 122, the locks160 and 161 and the locks 163 and 164 are disengaged thereby allowingthe doors 120, 122 to be movable. According to one embodiment, locks 160(for the first door 120) and 163 (for the second door 122) are situatedoutside of the cavity 180. As shown, the locks 160 and 163 are locatedon the panel 130 of the ice merchandiser. The corresponding locks, locks161 and 164, are situated on the first and second doors 120 and 122,respectively. As shown, the locks 161 and 164 are positioned on thedoors 120 and 122 below the openings 170 and 171. Accordingly, likelocks 160 and 163, locks 161 and 164 are situated outside of the cavity180. By locating the locks 160, 161, 163, and 164 outside of the cavity180, the relative cool temperatures of the cavity 180 are insulated fromthe locks thereby substantially preventing any malfunctioning of thelocks from the relatively cold environment.

In the example depicted, each door 120, 122 may be selectively andindependently actuable between a locked position and an unlockedposition. However, in other embodiments, the doors 120, 122 are actuablein unison. That is to say, an unlock command unlocks each door 120, 122simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. In this regard, the doors 120,122 may be controlled together.

According to one embodiment, the locks 160, 161, 163, and 164 arestructured as electromagnetic locks. In this configuration, the powersupply 930 provides power to the locks to energize the locking pairs(e.g., locks 160 and 161). To unlock the door, power is ceased tode-energize the locks. According to one embodiment, the electromagneticlocks may include a fail-safe feature, such that when no power ispresent (e.g., a power blackout), the locks revert to a disengaged(de-energized) state. Therefore, access to the cavity 180 may still bepermitted. According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic lock maysurround the opening of the cavity 180 covered by the door (e.g.,opening 170). In this configuration, energization of the lock (i.e.,plate) may cause a relatively tighter seal between the door and the icemerchandiser thereby aiding insulation of the cavity 180. Thisconfiguration may be implemented by installing a metal plate thatsurrounds the opening on the panel 130 (and/or housing 110) that isenergizable to lock with a corresponding metal plate in the door. Thisembodiment is depicted in FIG. 3, where locks 160 and 163 are structuredas metal plates that surround (in some embodiments, substantiallysurround) openings 170 and 171, respectively. Locks 161 and 164 arestructured as metal plates that substantially match/coincide with locks160 and 163, respectively, when the doors 120 and 122 are in the closedposition. By creating a magnetized lock around the openings, asmentioned above, a relatively tighter seal for the cavity 180 may beachieved.

In some other instances, the entire door may be made out of metal whilein other instances, select areas may be constructed from metal (e.g.,only a metal plate that corresponds with the metal plate on the housing110 and/or panel 130). When the door is not fully constructed frommetal, the door may also be constructed from composite materials, suchas plastic, in order to reduce its mass. As such, patrons may be able tooperate the door in a relatively easier fashion. Moreover, if the patronis reaching into the cavity 180, the lighter weight door, should it movetoward the first position, will not impact the patron with as much forcedue to its lighter weight thereby reducing the likelihood of injury.When embodied as electromagnetic locks, the doors 120 and 122 do notrequire a patron to move them into the first position (i.e., the closedposition). Rather, the magnetization force between the doors 120, 122and the housing 110 and/or panel 130 “pull” or draw the doors 120, 122to the housing and/or panel 130 (depending on where the correspondingmetal plate is situated). Rather, a user may only need to place the doorsubstantially in the first position and not need to push the door shut(i.e., fully closing the door in the first position). “Substantially”may refer to any door-to-ice merchandiser position that enables amagnetization force to be created between the locks and pull the doorall the way shut. Accordingly, based on the strength of theelectromagnetic locks used, this “substantial” position may vary basedon the application.

In certain other embodiments, one or more biasing members may also beincluded with the ice merchandiser 100. The biasing members arestructured to bias the door(s) towards the first position. When thelocks are structured as electromagnetic locks, the biasing members arestructured to bias the door(s) in the substantial first position asdescribed above. The biasing members may include, but are not limitedto, springs, additional magnets, weighting of the door (e.g., one ormore off-centered weights) that push the door to the first position, andthe like.

While the locks 160, 161, 163, and 164 are described above as beingelectromagnetic locks, many other type of locking devices may be usedwith the ice merchandiser (e.g., a padlock, a bar-latch lockingmechanism, etc.). Furthermore, it should be understood that the numberand position of the locking devices included with the ice merchandisermay vary based on the application and configuration of the icemerchandiser (e.g., an ice merchandiser with only one door may only useone locking device pair). All such variations are intended to fallwithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The ice merchandiser 100 is also shown to include emergency exit devices162 and 165. The emergency exit devices 162 and 165 are structured tounlock the locks 160, 161, 163, and 164 to permit movement of the doors120 and 122. In operation, should a user fall into the cavity 180 andthe door(s) become locked, the emergency exit devices 162 and 165 permitopening of the door(s) to prevent the user from becoming trapped. Theemergency exit devices 162 and 165 are shown as being situated on thefirst and second doors 120 and 122, respectively. However, in otherembodiments, the emergency exit devices 162 and 165 may be placed inother locations in the cavity 180. The emergency exit devices 162 and165 may also include one or might lighting devices (e.g., via lightingsystem 980) to illuminate the devices when the doors 120 and 122 are inthe first position.

The ice merchandiser 100 may also include door position sensors 190 and191. Door position sensor 190 is structured to determine the position ofthe first door 120 and door position sensor 191 is structured todetermine the position of the second door 122. In this regard, the doorposition sensors 190, 191 may acquire data indicative of a position ofthe doors 120, 122 and, in response, determine a position a position ofthe doors 120, 122. In another embodiment, the door position sensors190, 191 may acquire data indicative of a position of the doors 120, 122and provide that data to the controller 960, where the controller 960determines a position of the doors 120, 122.

The position of the door may range from the fully closed to the fullyopen position. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the door position sensors190, 191 may acquire data indicative of the doors 120, 122 being eitherclosed or not closed (i.e., binary). This embodiment may be useful forremote monitoring in determining a quick status of the doors 120, 122(i.e., whether one or more of the doors are open or closed). In otherembodiments, the door position sensors 190, 191 may acquire dataindicative of a relatively more precise location of the doors 120, 122(e.g., an angle of opening with respect to a face of the icemerchandiser, a distance away from the opening, etc.). This embodimentmay be useful for attendants who require relatively more precision inmonitoring the ice merchandiser 100 (e.g., a remote attendant of the icemerchandiser).

In certain embodiments, the controller 960 controls engagement of thelocks (e.g., locks 160 with 161 and locks 163 with 164) by providing oneor more lock and unlock signals, commands, instructions, etc. (e.g.,energize the electromagnetic locks to lock the door). Accordingly, thedoor position sensors 190 and 191 may provide one or more signals as towhether the lock (and unlock) signal should be provided.

According to one embodiment, the door position sensors 190 and 191 arestructured to determine whether an object is in the opening 170 and 171,respectively. According to another embodiment, the door position sensors190 and 191 are structured to determine whether an object is placed inany position within the plane of the doors 120 and 122-to-icemerchandiser contact area. For example, a user may place their handle onthe panel 130 outside of the opening 170. As the door 120 is put intothe first position, the door 120 would squeeze the user's hand betweenthe panel 130 and the door 120. If a door lock signal is provided by thecontroller 960, the user may experience pain and/or injury. Accordingly,the door position sensor 190 determines that the user's hand is in thecontact area of the door-to-panel area, such that the sensor 190provides a command to the controller 960 to not provide the lockcommand. After the user removes their hand and no other appendages (orobjects) are sensed by the sensor 190, the sensor 190 provides a commandto the controller 960 to lock the door 120.

The door position sensors 190 and 191 may be structured as any type ofsensor that monitors the contact area of the door-to-ice merchandiser tosubstantially ensure a user is not impacted by the door. Accordingly,the sensors 190 may include, but are not limited to, hall effectsensors, proximity sensors, capacitive sensors (to determine where theperson is touching the ice merchandiser 100), and the like.

According to one embodiment, the door position sensors 190 and 191 maybe communicably coupled to the display 151. Accordingly, if an object orappendage is sensed in the contact area, the display 151 may provide anaudible and/or visual message of warning (e.g., “An objected is sensedin the closing area. Please remove the object and/or verify that theobject is no longer present. Upon confirmation, the locking devices willbe actuated.”). In turn, users may be alerted if their hand or otherappendage is at risk of contact with the door(s) and the icemerchandiser.

The access control system 950 is shown to also include a timer mechanism952. The timer mechanism 952 may be structured as a relay or any othertype of device that controls the duration of the unlock period for thedoors 120 and 122. As described more fully in regard to the financialpayment system 990, upon access to the cavity 180, the timer mechanism952 may control how long the door(s) are unlocked to permit access tothe cavity 180. Accordingly, after a preset amount of time, the timermechanism 952 sends a signal to the controller 960 to provide a commandto lock the doors of the ice merchandiser. This operation may prevent orsubstantially prevent uncontrolled access to the ice merchandiser 100for extended periods of time to prevent theft. In one embodiment, thepreset time period may be configurable via the controller 960. Forexample, in one embodiment, the preset time period may correspond withthirty seconds. In another example, the preset time period maycorrespond with one-minute. In still other embodiments, the timermechanism 952 may include an override feature. The override feature isstructured to cancel the time duration of the unlock to initiatere-locking.

The override feature and/or timer mechanism 952 in general may beinitiated by (1) an operator or attendant of the ice merchandiser 100,which is explained in regard to FIG. 10; by (2) a customer of the icemerchandiser 100; and/or via (3) the interaction of the load cells 992and financial payment system 990. For example, in regard to number (2)above, after a customer purchases the ice product, the timer mechanism952 may provide a command via the controller 960 to unlock the door(s)for two-minutes. However, the customer may finish removing the iceproduct after thirty-seconds. To prevent the ice merchandiser 100 frombeing accessible for the remaining ninety-seconds, the customer mayprovide, via the input/output device 150, a confirmation that theirtransaction is complete. At which point, the timer mechanism 952 isoverridden and the controller 960 provides a command to re-engage thelocks. In regard to number (3) above, after the purchase is completed,the timer mechanism 952 may provide a command to the controller 960 tounlock the door(s) for the preset period of time. The load cells 992 maythen detect a mass change on the platform(s), which indicates that theice product has been removed. Based upon a comparison between the iceproduct purchased and the ice product removed (by weight), thecontroller 960 may determine that all the ice product paid for has beenremoved. Although there may be time remaining for the unlock position,the controller 960 may provide a command to re-engage the locks on thedoor(s), which thereby overrides the timer mechanism 952.

In certain embodiments, the functionality of the timer mechanism 952 maybe provided to the display 151. For example, a time remaining countermay be shown on the display and/or audibly announced to alert customersof the time remaining for which to complete the ice product removal. Ifthe time remaining is insufficient, a user may be provided with anoption via the input/output device 150 to add additional time. Toprevent theft, monitoring of the ice product removed may be tracked viathe load cells 992. For example, although a customer may have requestedadditional time, if the controller 960 determines that the productpurchased has been removed via the mass determinations from the loadcells 992, the controller 960 may provide a message to the customerverifying that the transaction is complete and upon confirmationre-engage the locks.

The access control system is also shown to include an access controldevice 953. The access control device 953 is structured to lock orunlock the doors 120, 122 to permit access to the cavity 180. The accesscontrol device 953 may be included with the ice merchandiser 100 and/orbe a remote device relative to the ice merchandiser 100. As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the first door 120 includes a first access device 182 and thesecond door 122 includes a second access device 184. In this embodiment,the access devices 182 and 184 are structured as key-keyhole devices. Inthe remote embodiments, the access control device 953 may be structuredas a key FOB, as an application on mobile device (e.g., a phone), acomputer, a remote, etc. In turn, an attendant or operator of the icemerchandiser 100 may selectively unlock/lock the door(s) topermit/prohibit access to the ice merchandiser, while being physicallyseparate from the ice merchandiser 100. In turn, if the attendant isalso operating a nearby convenient store, the attendant need not leavehis/her post to open/close the ice merchandiser. This may provide addedconvenience to operators/attendants of the ice merchandiser.

Referring now to FIG. 10A, an example operation of an ice merchandiser100 with the access control system 950 is shown according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 10 depicts a system 1000 embodiment of the icemerchandiser 100. As shown, the ice merchandiser 100 is located outsideof a convenient store 1010. An operator 1030 is attending to a customer1040. In this example, the customer 1040 has chosen to purchase iceproduct from the ice merchandiser 100. Upon confirmation of thepurchase, the operator 1030 actuates the remote control device, shown asthe lock 1050 and unlock 1052 mechanisms. The attendant 1030 actuatesthe unlock 1052 mechanism, which sends a signal to the controller 960 ofthe ice merchandiser 100 to unlock the locks. Upon pressing the unlock1052 mechanism, the timer mechanism 952 is initiated (e.g., twominutes). At which point, the customer 1040 has the preset amount oftime with which to go to the ice merchandiser 100 and remove purchasedice product.

As mentioned above, an override feature may be included with the timermechanism 952 that may be initiated by an operator or attendant of theice merchandiser 100. In the example of FIG. 10A, a video camera 1020transmits video images of the ice merchandiser 100 to a display 1022that is viewable by the operator 1030. Here, the operator 1030 may watchthe customer take the purchased ice and lock/unlock the ice merchandiser100 at will. This may ensure that only the purchased product is removedfrom the ice merchandiser while also not rushing the customer to removethe product.

In FIG. 10B, the access control device 953 is structured as a key FOB1070, rather than the countertop control devices of FIG. 10A. In FIG.10B, an interior view (i.e., from the cavity 180) is shown of the icemerchandiser 100. Moreover, the locks 951 are structured as a bar-latchassembly. However, in other embodiments, other locking devices may beutilized. When the unlock button is actuated, the bar moves in adirection 1080 away from the latch to permit access to the cavity 180via the door 120. When the lock button is depressed, the bar moves in adirection 1082 toward the latch to lock the door.

In another example embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a remote control accessdevice 953. A system 1100 includes a fuel pump 1110 and an icemerchandiser 100. Here, a user may purchase fuel for their vehicle andsimultaneously ice product from the ice merchandiser. Upon purchasingthe ice product, a code is provided to the user 1115. The user takesthis code to the ice merchandiser 100 and provides it via theinput/output device 150. The code is verified by the controller 960.Upon verification, the controller 960 provides a command to unlock oneor more of the door(s) of the ice merchandiser. The door(s) will remainunlocked for the duration of the preset time period. Thereafter, thedoors may move near the first position (e.g., via the user and/or abiasing member) and actuation of the electromagnetic locks cause thedoors to lock shut.

In certain embodiments, a master access device may be used with theaccess control system 950. The master access device may include, but isnot limited, a master code, a master key (e.g., a card with a masterbarcode, an actual key, etc.), and the like. Use of the master accessdevice may suspend the timer mechanism to permit service personnel torestock the ice merchandiser and/or service the ice merchandiser. Use ofthe master access device may also be for adjusting one or more settingsin the controller 960 (e.g., the cost-per-unit mass of the ice product,the cost for each type of ice product, an unlock position duration,etc.). Accordingly, owners/operators/attendants of the ice merchandisermay use the master access device for a variety of reasons to promotefunctionality of the ice merchandiser.

Financial Payment System

As shown in FIG. 9, a financial payment system 990 (also referred toherein as the “payment system”) is included with the vended model of theice merchandiser. As mentioned above, the financial payment system 990is shown to include a card reader 994, load cells 992, and a paymentsystem module 995 among other components. The financial payment system990 is structured to enable a customer to purchase ice product directlyat the ice merchandiser. This provides convenience to the customer,alleviates the need for an attendant or operator to constantly monitorthe ice merchandiser, and provides for ice product transactionstwenty-four hours a day. Furthermore, the increased amount of access tothe ice merchandiser (e.g., not needing the attendant) may result in anenhancement of ice product sales.

An example ice merchandiser 100 with a financial payment system 990 isshown in regard to FIGS. 1-3. Accordingly, explanation of the financialpayment system is in regard to FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 9. To that end, whileFIG. 9 shows the payment system module 995 separate from the controller960, it should be understood that, in certain embodiments, the paymentsystem module 995 may be included with the controller 960. Thisembodiment is depicted in FIG. 12, which shows a schematic diagram ofthe controller 960 coupled to various other components of an icemerchandiser according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the controller 960 is communicably coupled to theaccess control device 953, the input/output device 150, load cells 992,timer mechanism 952, and door position sensor 954. The controller 960 isshown to include a processing circuit 961 including a processor 962 anda memory 963. The processor 962 may be implemented as a general-purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor(DSP), a group of processing components (e.g., one or more processorswhere the processors are spread out over a range of geographiclocations), or other suitable electronic processing components. The oneor more memory devices 963 (e.g., NVRAM, RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, harddisk storage, etc.) may store data and/or computer code for facilitatingthe various processes described herein. Thus, the one or more memorydevices 963 may be communicably connected to the processor 962 andprovide computer code or instructions to the processor 962 for executingat least some of the processes described in regard to the financialpayment system 990 herein. Moreover, the one or more memory devices 963may be or include tangible, non-transient volatile memory ornon-volatile memory. Accordingly, the one or more memory devices 963 mayinclude database components, object code components, script components,or any other type of information structure for supporting the variousactivities and information structures described herein.

Communication between and among the components of the ice merchandiser100 may be via any number of wired or wireless connections. For example,a wired connection may include a serial cable, a fiber optic cable, aCAT5 cable, or any other form of wired connection. In comparison, awireless connection may include the Internet, Wi-Fi, cellular, radio,etc. In one embodiment, a controller area network (CAN) bus provides theexchange of signals, information, commands, and/or data. The CAN busincludes any number and type of wired and wireless connections.

The memory 963 is shown to include various modules for completing atleast some of the activities described herein in regard to, for example,the financial payment system 990 and the access control system 950. Moreparticularly, the memory 963 includes modules structured to controlaccess to the ice merchandiser 100 and facilitate payment of the iceproduct at the ice merchandiser 100. While various modules withparticular functionality are shown in FIG. 12, it should be understoodthat the controller 960 and memory 963 may include any number of modulesfor completing at least some of the functions described herein. Forexample, the activities of multiple modules may be combined as a singlemodule; additional modules with additional functionality may beincluded; etc. Further, it should be understood that the controller 960may further control other ice merchandiser activity beyond the scope ofthe present disclosure.

As shown, the controller 960 includes the payment system module 995,which includes a mass determination module 996 and a transaction module997, an input module 964, a timer mechanism module 965, a door positionmodule 966, and a locking device(s) module 967. As shown in FIG. 12, thecontroller 960 is coupled to one or more components shown in FIGS. 1-3.Accordingly, as mentioned above, explanation of the controller 960 is inregard to FIGS. 1-3. The input module 964 is communicably coupled to theinput/output device 150. The input module 964 is structured to,therefore, receive one or more inputs from a customer and/or anattendant of the ice merchandiser 100. The input module 964 may alsoprovide one or more outputs to the input/output device 150 independentof or in response to an input received. The inputs and outputs mayinclude, but are not limited to, a transaction initiation request, amenu selection (e.g., the display 151 may show instructions on how touse the ice merchandiser, such that a user may select thoseinstructions), an initiation for an ice product transaction, aconfirmation that the ice product transaction is complete, an iceproduct selection, a preset time duration for the timer mechanism 952, atype and cost for each type of ice product (e.g., a three pound bag is$4.00 and a six pound bag is $7.00), a price-per-pound (or other unit ofmeasure) of ice product, verification information (e.g., the securitycode on the back of a credit card used by the patron, their zip codeassociated with the payment card, a security question, etc.), and thelike.

The timer mechanism module 965 is communicably coupled to the timermechanism 952. The timer mechanism module 965 is structured to provideone or more commands to the timer mechanism 952 to at least one ofinitiate, pause, cancel, and/or set/adjust a time duration correspondingto the locks 951 being unlocked and consequently re-locked. The doorposition module 966 is communicably coupled to the door positionsensor(s) 954. The door position module 966 is structured to receivedoor position data corresponding to at least one of i) whether an objectis present in the door-to-ice merchandiser contact area and ii) aposition of at least one of the doors. If an object is present, the doorposition module 966 may provide an override command to the lockingdevices module 967 to prevent actuation (i.e., locking) of the locks951. The locking devices module 967 is, therefore, communicably coupledto both the access control device 953 and the locks 951. The lockingdevices module 967 is structured to provide a command to selectivelylock/unlock the locks on the door(s) of the ice merchandiser topermit/restrict access to the cavity.

With the aforementioned description, the payment system module 995 isstructured to facilitate at-the-ice merchandiser transactions (e.g., payfor ice product at the ice merchandiser). Accordingly, the paymentsystem module 995 may be communicably coupled to one or more modulesdescribed above. As shown, the payment system module 995 includes a massdetermination module 996 and a transaction module 997.

The mass determination module 996 is communicably coupled to the loadcells 992. Accordingly, the mass determination module 996 is structuredto receive weight data from the load cells 992. Based on the weightdata, the mass determination module 996 determines a mass of ice productremoved from the ice merchandiser 100 during or after an ice producttransaction. According to one embodiment, the ice product transactionrefers to a bagged ice product transaction. Accordingly, in operation,bagged ice products 300 and 301 are placed on a platform 175 in the icemerchandiser 100 (see FIG. 3). The load cells 992 transmit weight datato the mass determination module 996 to determine a starting weight forat least one of the bagged ice products 300, 301 and/or the icemerchandiser 100 plus the bagged ice products 300, 301. In someembodiments, the unloaded weight of the ice merchandiser may be used tozero or calibrate the mass determination module 996 (e.g., the weight ofthe ice merchandiser 100 may be 600 pounds, such that 600 pounds issubtracted from the weight determined by the module 996 to determine theweight of the ice product). After the transaction is initiated and acustomer begins removing the bagged ice product, the load cells 992transmit the weight data to the module 996 where the mass determinationmodule 996 determines the change in weight (e.g., in pounds, kilograms,or other unit of measure). Based on the change in weight, thetransaction module 997 determines an amount of currency required for theice transaction based on the determined mass of ice product removed. Forexample, based on the price-per-pound input received via the inputmodule 964, the transaction module 997 may perform the followingdetermination:

Transaction Cost=ΔWeight*(Unit Price)   (1)

As an example, twelve pounds of ice product may be determined to beremoved from the ice merchandiser and the cost per pound is $1.50.Therefore, the transaction cost is equal to $18.00 (12pounds*$1.50/pound).

In some embodiments, the mass determination 996 may utilize a filterprocessor to ensure accuracy in the mass determination (e.g., removeinaccurate weight data). For example, due to gusty winds, the load cells992 may transmit weight data (after the transaction is initiated) thatindicate both an increase and a decrease in weight of ice product. Thefilter processor may implement a timer that substantially requires theweight data to indicate a relatively constant weight (e.g., eachmeasurement is within five percent of each other) for a preset amount oftime (e.g., ten seconds) prior to determining the weight of ice productremoved. In this regard, the weight data refers to the measured weightof ice product remaining with the ice merchandiser. In anotherembodiment, the filter processor may utilize one or more formulas,algorithms, and the like to discard weight data above/below one or morethresholds (e.g., due to gusty winds). In still other embodiments, themass determination module 996 may provide a determined mass of iceproduct to the display 151 for the customer to confirm or deny thedetermined amount of ice product removed. While only three processes aredescribed above, many more processes may be utilized, with all suchprocesses intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, the mass determination module 996 may utilize anoutput message (e.g., alert, notification, etc.) that is provided viathe display 151 to account for inconsistent readings, outlier typereadings, and the like. For example, if a user is leaning up against theice merchandiser 100, the load cells may read an incorrect mass.Accordingly, a message may be provided to the display 151 that instructsa user to not lean on the merchandiser. The filter processor, asdescribed above, may be used to determine when a user is leaning on themachine or when a force is acting on the machine that replicates theforce applied by a user when leaning against the machine. For example,average wind speeds for the area and time of year may be used as abaseline to determine that forces above that average may replicate auser leaning against the merchandiser. In another example, data may beacquired for a population of people to determine an average forceindicative of when people lean against the machine. In this example,forces (e.g., via an accelerometer or any other force detecting sensor)detected above this average or within a predefined range may be used todetermine if a user is leaning or otherwise impacting the machine tocause potentially incorrect readings. To facilitate identification ofusers leaning against or otherwise impacting measurements or readingstaken by the load cells, some embodiments of the ice merchandiser mayutilize force sensors (e.g., accelerometers) positioned in one or morevarious positions on or in the ice merchandiser to identify situationsindicative of a user impacting the ice merchandiser. For example, anaccelerometer may be positioned in or on each door 120, 122 formeasuring forces applied to the door. Accordingly, the presentdisclosure contemplates a wide variety of systems, devices, and methodsthat may be used to filter out potentially wrong or inconsistent weightdata. Moreover, and as described above, in some instances, a message ornotification may be provided for instructing the user (or a person inthe vicinity) to cease leaning against the merchandiser.

In certain embodiments, the mass determination module 996 is alsostructured to determine at least one of a bag quantity and type based onthe determined mass of ice product removed. For example, the icemerchandiser 100 may hold a first ice product 300 and a second iceproduct 301 (FIG. 3). Ice product 300 may correspond with a five poundbag of ice and ice product 301 may correspond with a ten pound bag ofice. However, the cost of each bag is not related by a price-per-poundmultiplier. For example, the cost of the five pound bag is $4.00 and thecost of the ten pound bag is $7.00 (a discount for buying more iceproduct). Therefore, in these configurations, the mass determinationmodule 996 also determines a bag quantity and type based on the weightof ice product removed. An example determination algorithm is shown inequation (2), with a transaction cost determination (via transactionmodule 997) in equation (3) below:

ΔWeight=A*(Bag Type I)+B*(Bag Type II)+   (2)

Transaction Cost=(A)(Cost of Bag Type I)+(B)(Cost of Bag Type II)+   (3)

In equations (2) and (3), the variable “A” represents the number of bagsof ice product of type I and the variable “B” represents the number ofbags of ice product II. As seen in equations (2) and (3), many morevarying types of ice product may be included in the ice merchandiser. Inequation (2), the variable “Bag Type I” and “Bag Type II” (and so on)represents the weight of each type of bagged ice product (e.g., bag typeI may correspond with a five pound bag and bag type II may correspondwith a ten pound bag). In equation (2), the variable ΔWeight is ameasured and/or estimated quantity from the load cells 992. Therefore,via one or more numerical methods, the mass determination module 996 maydetermine the number of bags of each ice product, which is then used inequation (3) that accounts for varying costs of each ice product (i.e.,the variables “Cost of Bag Type I” and “Cost of Bag Type II”).

Based on the determinations of the mass determination module 996, thetransaction module 997 is structured to determine a transaction cost(e.g., an amount of currency) for the ice product transaction. Exampleice product transaction costs are shown in regard to equations (1) and(3) herein, where the transaction module 997 determines a cost of thetransaction based solely on the determined amount of ice product removed(equation (1)) and determines a cost of the transaction based on adetermined quantity and type of ice product purchased (equation (3)). Insome embodiments, upon completion of the ice product transaction, thepayment system 990 may provide or ask the patron whether they desire areceipt that details the ice product transaction (e.g., what waspurchased and the cost of the purchase).

While the transaction module 997 is described primarily herein indetermining a transaction cost based on the mass and/or weight of theice product removed. It should be understood that in other embodiments,the transaction module 997 may utilize other characteristics todetermine a transaction cost. For example, in regard to theself-elevating platform embodiments described herein, the transactioncost may be based solely or at least in part on a position or a changein position of the platform. In this regard, the transaction module 997may receive platform position data indicative of a position of theplatform. Elevations of the platform may correspond with various costs.For example, a one-inch raise in platform height relative to a startingheight corresponds with a $12 charge and a 1.5 inch raise correspondswith an $18 charge. Of course, the gradations or delineations of chargeneed not follow a linear scale (e.g., there may be a price discount forlarger quantities) and are highly configurable. Alternatively, theelevations may correspond with a mass removed, which may be convertedinto a transaction cost as described herein.

In another example, where the platform is static (i.e., notself-elevating), the ice merchandiser 100 may include one or moresensors positioned within the cavity that monitor the position of iceproduct. For example, sensors may establish a starting height of theproduct relative to the platform and after the user removes the product,the sensor may acquire data indicative of the new height of the producton the platform. Or, the sensor may determine an initial topography(e.g., via a photograph). After the product is removed, the sensor mayacquire data or determine a post-ice product removal topography. In eachinstance, a transaction cost may be determined based on the new heightand/or new topography. For example, each reduction in height maycorrespond with a cost in a similar fashion to the elevation height forthe self-elevating platform. Or, in regard to the topography instance, adetermination may be made regarding the type and quantity of ice productremoved to generate the transaction.

Accordingly, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, thetransaction module 997 may use many characteristics of an ice producttransaction to determine or generate a transaction cost such that aweight difference (as primarily described herein) should be interpretedas only one method in a plurality of methods, with all such methodsintended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The transaction module 997 is also structured to determine the start ofand completion of the ice product transaction. As used herein, thephrase “ice product transaction” refers to the duration of beginning andending an ice product purchase. Analogously, the phrase “bagged iceproduct transaction” refers to the duration of beginning and ending abagged ice product purchase (e.g., to purchase bagged ice 300). Thetransaction module 997 may determine that an ice product transaction hasbegun via at least one of a payment card reception (e.g., a credit cardswipe via card reader 152), an input received via the input/outputdevice 150 (e.g., a patron may push a button that says “Press Here toBegin Ice Product Purchase”), and by actuation of an access controldevice 953 (e.g., a user may press an unlock button on the key FOB ofFIG. 10, a payment code may be received via the input/output device 150as in FIG. 11, etc.). The transaction module 997 may determine that theice product transaction is complete via an input via the input/outputdevice 150 (e.g., a customer may indicate their purchase is complete), arelatively constant mass (e.g., each measurement is within five percentof each other) for ice product remaining in the ice merchandiser for apreset amount of time (e.g., thirty seconds), the door position sensorindicating that the door(s) or locked or have been at or near the first(close) position for a preset amount of time, and/or expiration of theunlock time duration.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a flow chart of a method 1300 of operation ofa financial payment system with an ice merchandiser is shown accordingto one embodiment. Method 1300 may be implemented with the icemerchandiser of FIGS. 1-3 and the controller of FIGS. 9 and 12.Accordingly, explanation of method 1300 may be in regard to thoseFigures.

At step 1302, an unlock position duration is received. For example, anoperator or attendant of the ice merchandiser 100 may provide, via theinput/output device 150, an unlock position duration (e.g., two minutes)which is communicated to the timer mechanism module 965. At step 1304,an initiation of an ice product transaction is received. According toone embodiment, the payment system 990 of the ice merchandiser 100 isstructured to only utilize payment cards (e.g., credit, reward, and/ordebit cards). Accordingly, transaction initiation may begin by acustomer utilizing the card reader 152 and swiping their payment card.In various alternate embodiments, the financial payment system 990 mayaccept any type of currency (e.g., cash). In some embodiments, the usermay provide an input indicating their desire to initiate an ice producttransaction. The display 151 may depicts the various ice products housedby the ice merchandiser 100 and their associated costs. The customer mayselect the ice products they want to purchase and then provide payment(e.g., payment card, cash, etc.). After validation of the payment (step1306), initial weight data is received (step 1308). By making an initialdetermination subsequent to validation, the frequency of weightdeterminations may be reduced to only or substantially only be inresponse to valid transactions. Upon receiving the weight data orsimultaneously, the doors are unlocked for the unlock position duration(step 1310).

In the embodiment where the transaction is initiated via a card swipe,at step 1306, the transaction is validated. At this step, one or moreprocesses may validate the payment card (e.g., authenticity, sufficientfunds, etc.). For example, a user may be asked to input their zip codevia the input/output device 150 and/or types of identifying information.This may be performed by one or more processors utilizing additionalpayment procedures. Upon validation, an initial weight determination isgenerated (step 1308). Subsequently, the doors are unlocked for theunlock position duration (step 1310). At this point, the customer mayremove the desired ice product (e.g., type and quantity thereof).

At step 1312, a determination is made that the ice product transactionis complete. Determination of when the ice product transaction iscomplete may be via similar processes to that described above in regardto the transaction module 997. For example, in one embodiment, acustomer may provide an affirmative indication (e.g., via input/outputdevice 150) that he/she is done removing the ice product. In anotherexample, if the unlock position duration is near expiration, thecontroller 960 may provide an audible and/or visual message via thedisplay 151 asking the customer if he/she needs more time. If thecustomer affirmatively responds, a preset additional amount of time maybe added to the unlock position duration. If the customer declines ordoes not respond, the controller 960 may determine that the transactionis complete. In another embodiment, the determination may be made viaweight data using, for example, the mass determination module 996. Forexample, relatively constant weight data (corresponding to the mass ofice product remaining in the ice merchandiser) for a preset amount oftime may be used to indicate that the transaction is complete (e.g., thecustomer is not removing or putting back any ice product). In stillanother embodiment, the determination may be made based on the door(s)being moved to at or near the close position (as determined by theposition data received at step 1318). The transaction completedetermination may be made if the door(s) are in the close or near closeposition for a preset amount of time (e.g., ten seconds ofnon-movement).

At step 1314, based on the weight data, at least one of a weight iceproduct removed and a bag quantity and type removed is determined (step1312). This determination may be provided to the input/output device 150for the user to confirm/deny the determination. According to oneembodiment, while the ice product is removed, weight data iscontinuously received, such that weight changes may be monitored andtracked. According to another embodiment, weight data is received afterthe transaction is complete, where this subsequent weight data is usedto determine a change in weight from the beginning to the end of the iceproduct transaction. Beneficially, taking an initial reading and areading after the transaction is determined to be complete, the use ofvarying and potentially incorrect weight data may be avoided. Such aprocess may improve efficiency and of the weight change determination.As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, ice products may be pricedper unit weight. In other embodiments, differing weights correspond withdifferent costs where the price-per-unit weight is not constant.Depending on how an operator/attendant sets up the financial paymentsystem 990 of the ice merchandiser 100, the determination at step 1314may vary.

After a determination that the transaction is complete and based on atleast one of the weight of ice product removed and the bag quantity andtype removed, the customer is charged (step 1316). In thisconfiguration, the customer has not had to preselect the ice products tobe purchased. Accordingly, this embodiment enables the customer tochange his/her mind when making the purchase. For example, a customermay initially remove a bagged ice product and then return it to the icemerchandiser after determining that he/she no longer wants/needs thatice product. However, in other embodiments, the customer may be requiredto provide an indication of the quantity and type of product desiredbefore the doors are unlocked. Such an indication may be used by thecontroller 960 to provide an initial guess or estimate of the iceproduct to be removed, which may streamline the determination after thetransaction is determined complete. Upon verification of payment, thedoors may be unlocked. If the customer decides to purchase a quantityand/or type of ice product that differs from the indication previouslyprovided, one or more of the following mechanisms may be used. In oneinstance, the customer may provide this change via the input/outputdevice, where the providing of this change may be prompted (e.g., themass determination module 996 may determine that the customer hasremoved an amount of ice product different from his/her initialdesignation) or unprompted (e.g., the user wants to re-adjust his/herpurchase). In another instance, the mass determination module 996 maydetermine the type and quantity of ice product removed andcross-reference this determination with the customer's initialdesignation. If there is a discrepancy, the controller 960 may providean alert to the input/output device asking for clarification from thecustomer. Or, the controller 960 may only charge the customer for theice product determined to be removed to avoid any type of overcharging.In still another instance, any combination of determinations andcustomer inputs may be used to facilitate and confirm the transaction.

At step 1318, position data is received. The position data correspondsto a position of the door(s) of the ice merchandiser 100. The positiondata may also correspond with an indication of whether an object iswithin the door(s)-to-ice merchandiser contact area (e.g., via doorposition sensor 954). If the position data indicates that the door(s) isin a lockable position (e.g., the locks could be actuated to lock thedoor to the ice merchandiser) and that there are no objects in thecontact area, the door(s) of the ice merchandiser 100 are locked (step1320). Basing the lock actuation command on the presence of objects inthe door-to-ice merchandiser contact area substantially ensures thatpinching of a user's appendages is substantially prevented.

If the transaction is complete and the position data indicates that noobject is present in the contact area, but that the door(s) is in thefull open position, the controller 960 may provide a notification to anattendant of the ice merchandiser 100 to shut the door(s). For example,the controller 960 may provide a text message, an email message, analert to a monitoring system for the ice merchandiser, etc. to theattendant. In another embodiment, as mentioned above, the icemerchandiser 100 may include one or more biasing members (e.g., one ormore springs, actuation members such as a hydraulic cylinder, anoff-centered weight, etc.) that bias the door(s) towards the closeposition. In this regard, the biasing members may be structured to movethe door(s) into a lockable position. In still another embodiment, thecontroller 960 may provide a notification to the display 151 to instructa user or other passerby to please shut the door(s). All such variationsare intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

While method 1300 uses the weight data in regard to a purchase pricedetermination (i.e., the transaction cost), the weight data may also beprovided to a remote monitoring unit of the ice merchandiser 100. Forexample, via a network (e.g., Internet), the weight data is transmittedto a computer within a convenience store (in other embodiments, anapplication on an attendant's phone or tablet computer). If the weightdata indicates that the weight of ice product is below a presetthreshold, convenience store personnel may be alerted that restocking ofthe ice merchandiser is needed. The preset threshold may vary based onthe type of ice merchandiser and the desire of the store personnel(e.g., one operator may wish to always keep the ice merchandiserrelatively more stocked than another operator). This operation mayprovide additional convenience to the store clerk personnel, such thatthey need not constantly monitor the ice merchandiser for when it needsto be restocked.

An example operation of method 1300 may be described as follows. A userapproaches the ice merchandiser and swipes their credit card to purchaseice. Their card is validated using one or more pieces of identifyinginformation (e.g., their zip code) and the door (or doors if a multipledoor unit ice merchandiser) is unlocked. The user opens the door andbegins removing ice product. The controller 960 receives weight datathat indicates that no weight change has occurred for a preset amount oftime and that the user has removed X pounds of ice product. Thecontroller 960 determines that the ice product transaction is complete(based on the no weight change for the preset amount of time) andcharges the customer for the amount of ice product removed (e.g., can beon a per unit weight cost or a type and quantity of ice product cost, asdescribed above). The controller 960 then determines that no object isin the door(s)-to-ice merchandiser contact area and that the door(s) arein a lockable position, such that the controller 960 provides a commandto lock the door(s). The weight of the ice product stored in the icemerchandiser 100 based on the weight of ice product removed ismaintained (e.g., in memory 963) for the next ice product transaction.In this regard, the ice merchandiser 100 is a self-service icemerchandiser that can be operated substantially without attendantsupervision.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a method 1400 of operating an ice merchandiserwith the access control system and the financial payment is shownaccording to another embodiment. While FIG. 13 relates to ice producttransactions directly at the ice merchandiser, the method 1400 relatesto ice product transactions away from the ice merchandiser (e.g., withina convenient store with the ice merchandiser located outside). Examplegraphical depictions of such situations are shown in regard to FIGS.10A-11.

At step 1402, an unlock position duration is received. This step isanalogous to step 1302 of method 1300. At step 1404, an initiation of anice product transaction is received. In one configuration, the iceproduct is purchased away from the ice merchandiser. For example, FIG.10A depicts a customer purchasing ice product from a convenient store.In FIG. 11, a customer purchases ice product from a fuel pump. Inanother configuration, the initiation may be at the ice merchandiservia, for example, a patron swiping their payment card at the card reader152. At step 1406, access to the ice merchandiser is provided for theunlock position duration. According to one embodiment, access may beprovided via an access control device, such as access control device953. For example, in FIGS. 10A-10B, an attendant of the ice merchandisermay use a remote control to unlock the door(s) of the ice merchandiserafter the ice product has been purchased. The attendant may utilize avideo monitoring system to watch the customer and determine when thetransaction is complete. In another embodiment, the ice merchandiserstays unlocked for the unlock duration such that the attendant needs toonly provide the unlock actuation command. In other embodiments, thecustomer may be provided the remote access device. For example, in FIG.11, the customer may be provided with a code to be entered on the icemerchandiser 100. After the code is accepted, the door(s) are unlockedfor the unlock position duration. The code may be provided on a separateticket, as part of a receipt, as an email code to be scanned by ascanner on the ice merchandiser, etc. Thus, access may be provided viaan attendant or the user providing an access key (e.g., a code) at theice merchandiser.

At step 1408, position data is received. This step is analogous to step1318. At step 1410, a determination that the ice product transaction iscomplete. The transaction refers to the customer being done with theremoval of purchased ice product. The determination may be based on thesame ways as described above in regard to step 1314. At step 1414, adoor of the ice merchandiser is locked based on at least one of theposition data, an expiration of the unlock position duration, and thedetermination that the transaction is complete.

Clean & Clear Ice Merchandiser

As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, the ice merchandiser ofthe present disclosure may include one or more “clean and clear”features. A “clean” feature refers to a feature that is structured to atleast partly kill and/or inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms thatmay cause sickness. A “clear” feature refers to a feature that isstructured to maintain a relatively high visibility with a window of theice merchandiser. FIGS. 15-22 depict clean and clear features for an icemerchandiser of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15-18 are largely analogous to FIGS. 1-4A herein. Accordingly,similar features may be shown but not described in this section.However, unless otherwise indicated, similar annotated features havesimilar structure and function as previously described.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the first door 120 includes a window 260. Thewindow 260 includes an exterior surface 261 and an interior surface 262.When the first door 120 is in the full close position, the interiorsurface 262 is located substantially in the cavity 180 of the icemerchandiser 100. Thus, in the first position, the interior surface 262is proximate the opening 170 and in the second position, the interiorsurface 262 is spaced apart from the opening 170. Similar to the firstdoor 120 configuration, the second door 122 is shown to include a window264. The window 264 includes an exterior surface 265 and an interiorsurface 266. When the second door 122 is in the first position, theinterior surface 266 is proximate the opening 171. In other words, whenthe second door 122 is in the full close position, the interior surface266 is substantially located in the cavity 180.

The windows 260, 264 are structured to be substantially transparent topermit a patron to view the ice product stored in the cavity 180 of theice merchandiser 100. Accordingly, the windows 260, 264 may beconstructed like any other type of window (e.g., insulated, single pane,double pane, etc.) and with any material (e.g., glass) used to makewindows.

While the ice merchandiser 100 only depicts windows 260, 264 located onthe first and second doors 120, 122, it should be understood that insome embodiments, only one window may be utilized in the two-door icemerchandiser embodiment. In other embodiments, the ice merchandiser mayinclude zero windows. In still other embodiments, the one or morewindows may be located in places other than (or in addition to) thedoors. For example, windows may be placed on the left side 101 and/orright side 102 of the ice merchandiser 100 to permit passersby to peerinto the cavity 180 from other angles in addition to an orthogonalviewpoint relative to the doors 120, 122. All such variations of windowconfigurations for an ice merchandiser are intended to fall within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in the FIGS. 15-17, the ice merchandiser 100 includes ananti-microbial coating 200. The anti-microbial coating 200 is configuredto kill, prevent, and/or inhibit growth of at least one of astain-causing and an odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus, andother potentially infectious or harmful microorganisms that may causesickness. According to one embodiment, the anti-microbial coating 200 isstructured as a chemical-type anti-microbial coating. For example, theanti-microbial coating 200 may include, but is not limited to, anantibacterial coating, an antifungal coating, an antiviral coating, anantiparasitic coating, a disinfectant, an antibiotic, and the like.These, and other types, of anti-microbial coatings may be appliedindividually and/or collectively to one or more surfaces of the icemerchandiser 100. Furthermore, the type of anti-microbial coating maydiffer based on which surface the coating is applied to on the icemerchandiser 100 (e.g. an antiviral coating is provided on the handleswhile an antifungal coating is applied to surfaces in the cavity 180).All such variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the anti-microbial coating 200 isepoxy-based. As a result, the anti-microbial coating 200 is configuredto be substantially wear and scratch resistant. In other embodiments,the anti-microbial coating 200 may include any other feature (e.g.,resin-based) that substantially prevents the need for re-application ofthe coating due to it being wear, weather, and scratch resistant.Accordingly, the anti-microbial coating 200 may be structured tosubstantially resist decomposition due to the sub-freezing temperaturesin the cavity 180. In other embodiments, the anti-microbial coating 200does not include any type of wear or weather resistant features, suchthat coating may need to be periodically re-applied to desired areas ofthe ice merchandiser 100. All such variations are intended to fallwithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the anti-microbial coating 200 is providedon high contact areas of the ice merchandiser 100. Accordingly, asshown, the anti-microbial coating 200 may be applied to the first door120, handle 123, window 260 (e.g., exterior surface 261), second door122, handle 124, window 264 (e.g., exterior surface 265), input/outputdevice 150, and panel 130. According to another embodiment, theanti-microbial coating 200 may also be applied to one or more surfacesthat may be within the cavity 180. For example, the anti-microbialcoating 200 may be applied to the interior surface 262 of the window260, the interior surface 266 of the window 266, one or more interiorsurfaces of the housing 110 that define the cavity 180, platform 175,and the like. In this regard, as bagged ice product is transferred intoand out of the ice merchandiser 100, the bagged ice product issubstantially prevented from acquiring harmful bacteria. As a result, byproviding the anti-microbial coating 200 to both of the patronhigh-contact areas and the bagged ice product contact areas, bacteriaand other harmful microbes are substantially prevented from spreading,growing, and being transmitted from either a user's interaction with thebagged ice product or their interaction with the ice merchandiser 100.According to still another embodiment, the anti-microbial coating 200may be applied to the internal ductwork used with the ice merchandiser.For example, ducts may be used to remove heat from the cavity to coolthe cavity. These ducts may include an anti-microbial coating 200 thatinhibits, removes, kills, etc. growth within the ducts. Beneficially,harmful microorganisms that could be transported or migrate via theducts into a patron contact area (e.g., within the cavity, on the iceproduct, etc.) are killed or removed to prevent such transmission ormigration.

While the anti-microbial coating 200 is shown to be generally applied tovarious surfaces, as described above, it should be understood that theanti-microbial coating 200 may be applied to only portions of eachsurface (e.g., a middle portion of the handle 124), applied thicker insome spots over others (e.g., relatively higher contact areas, such asthe input/output device 150 may be coated thicker than the exteriorsurface 265 of the window 264), and/or applied with other coatings(e.g., an anti-frost (hydrophobic) coating). Furthermore, while theanti-microbial coating 200 is described herein as a “coating,” in someembodiments, anti-microbial additives may be infused in the material(e.g., polymer) used to manufacture the ice merchandiser. All suchvariations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a cross-sectional side view of the icemerchandiser 100 with anti-microbial and hydrophobic coatings is shown,according to one embodiment. As shown, the housing 110 includes aninterior back surface 103, an interior front surface 104, an interiorbottom surface 105, and an interior surface 106. Surfaces 103-106 andthe interior surface of the door 120 (including interior surface 262 ofwindow 260), among other features not shown due to the cross-section,define the cavity 180. As mentioned above, the platform 175 is locatedwithin the cavity 180 and is structured to support the bagged iceproduct 300 (as shown in FIG. 18).

As shown in FIG. 18, the ice merchandiser 100 includes a hydrophobiccoating 210 applied to various surfaces in the cavity 180. Thehydrophobic coating 210 is any type of surface coating that repelswater, which substantially prevents the formation of frost or ice. As aresult, the surfaces that define the cavity 180 may remain substantiallyfree from condensation, which may provide for a clean and clearappearance. Furthermore, by substantially preventing the formation offrost or ice, not only do the windows remain clear to permit passersbyto peer through the window, but the cavity 180 volume is likely to beoccupied by a relatively lesser amount of frost and ice. As a result,the ice merchandiser 100 may be able to store a relatively greateramount of bagged ice product.

The hydrophobic coating 210 may include any type of hydrophobic oranti-frost coating. According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic coating210 is wear and scratch resistant to substantially prevent the need tocontinuously apply the coating to one or more of the surfaces. Accordingto another embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 210 is weather resistant,such that it is able to withstand below freezing temperatures (e.g., ator below thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit). In turn, the hydrophobiccoating 210 may still function properly within the cavity 180. Accordingto one embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 210 is a superhydrophobiccoating. As such, the thickness of the coating is on a nanometer scale,which may prevent substantial space from being occupied in the cavity180 by the coating 210. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic coating 210may also be oleophobic, thereby able to repel most hydrocarbons. As aresult, dirt, grime, and mold may also be repelled by the hydrophobiccoating 210.

As shown in FIG. 18, the hydrophobic coating 210 is applied to one ormore surfaces within the cavity 180. These surfaces includes surfaces103-106, platform 175, and the interior surface 262 of the window 260.In one embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 210 is provided on everysurface in the cavity 180. In other embodiments, the hydrophobic coating210 may be selectively provided on some, but not all, of the surfaceswithin the cavity 180 (e.g., interior bottom surface 105 and not theinterior top surface 106). In certain embodiments, application of thehydrophobic coating 210 may be thicker in some spots over others,applied on only some portions of a surface (not the entire surface),and/or applied with other coatings (e.g., the anti-microbial coating200). According to an alternate embodiment, the hydrophobic coating 210may also be provided on one or more exterior surfaces (relative to thecavity 180) of the ice merchandiser 100. For example, the hydrophobiccoating 210 may be applied to the exterior surfaces 261, 265 of thewindows 260, 264 to substantially prevent frost or condensation (e.g.,from the temperature differential between the outside environment andthat within the cavity 180) from accumulating on the outside of thewindow. All such variations are intended to fall within the spirit andscope of the present disclosure.

The ice merchandiser 100 is also shown to include an ultraviolet (UV)lamp 220. The UV lamp 220 is configured to emit a UV beam within thecavity 180. Similar to the anti-microbial coating 200, the UV beam isconfigured to inhibit growth and/or kill harmful germs, microbes,fungus, mold, and the like that may otherwise grow within the cavity 180(including on the bags of the bagged ice 300 and within the bags of thebagged ice 300 (i.e., the UV beam is configured to penetrate the bagsinto the ice product)). As such, in one embodiment, the UV lamp 220 isstructured as an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lamp configured toemit a germicidal ultraviolet beam. Germicidal UV beams are short rangeUV (UVC) beams that have a relatively short wavelength (e.g.,approximately 280-100 nanometers). Due to the relatively shortwavelength, these UVC beams are harmful to microorganisms. As a result,the UV lamp 220 may provide an additional layer of sterilization (e.g.,relative to an anti-microbial coating 200) to the ice merchandiser 100to ensure a substantial reduction in the spreading of germs, microbes,and other harmful bacteria from patrons using the ice merchandiser 100.

FIG. 19 depicts a close-up view of the door 120 for the ice merchandiser100 as shown in FIG. 18, according to one embodiment. In thisconfiguration, the window 260 includes a hydrophobic coating 210 on itsinterior surface 262 and an anti-microbial coating 200 on its exteriorsurface 261. In other embodiments, the ant-microbial coating 200 mayalso be provided on the interior surface 262 and the hydrophobic coating210 may also be provided on the exterior surface 261. As such, FIG. 19shows only one example embodiment of the ice merchandiser with ananti-microbial coating 200 and a hydrophobic coating 210. All othervariations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the ice merchandiser 100 may also include athin film 230 applied to the surfaces of the windows 260, 264 (i.e.,interior surfaces 261, 265 and exterior surfaces 262, 266). In oneembodiment, the thin film 230 is structured as an optically clear orsubstantially clear polymer film. The polymer film mostly preventscondensation of water from forming on the surfaces of the window. As aresult, patrons may notice a relatively cleaner, clearer window and havean unobstructed view of the bagged ice product. In some embodiments, thethin film 230 is only applied to an interior or an exterior surface of awindow. In other embodiments, the thin film 230 is only applied to bothsurfaces of one window (rather than every window on the icemerchandiser). All such variations are intended to fall within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21, a bagged ice product 300 for an ice merchandiser100 is shown, according to one embodiment. The bagged ice product 300includes a bag 310 for holding the ice 320. In one embodiment, at leastone of the anti-microbial coating 200 and the hydrophobic coating 210are provided on the bag 310 (e.g., at least one of an interior surfaceproximate the ice 320 or an exterior surface of the bag 310 proximatethe environment). The anti-microbial coating 200 and hydrophobic coating320 may have the same structure and function as that described herein.Accordingly, the anti-microbial coating 200 may substantially preventand/or inhibit harmful microorganism growth on the bag while thehydrophobic coating 210 may repel condensation to prevent frost or icefrom forming on the outside of the bag 310. As a result, patrons may beless likely to acquire and transmit harmful microbes from using the icemerchandiser 100.

In other embodiments, the anti-microbial coating 200 may be structuredas an additive used in the manufacture of the bag 310. However, thefunctionality of the bag 310 with the additive remains substantiallysimilar to that of the bag 310 with the coating 200. In turn, the baggedice protects the ice 320 (and patrons who handle the bag 310) frombacteria, algae, fungi, and mold. This biocide or anti-microbialadditive provides a hygienic and health benefit bycontrolling/decreasing the amount of microorganism at the polymersurface of the bag. Moreover, the bagged ice 300 may remain free of odorand stain causing growth. This may be appealing to patrons and lead toan increase in sales potential.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a flowchart of a method 2200 of providing ahygienic ice merchandiser is shown according to one embodiment.According to one embodiment, method 2200 may be implemented with the icemerchandiser of FIGS. 15-20 and the bagged ice product of FIG. 21.Accordingly, reference may be made to those Figures in explaining method2200.

At step 2202, an ice merchandiser is provided. The ice merchandiser mayinclude any type of ice merchandiser, including but not limited to, avertically oriented (i.e., upright) ice merchandiser where the door(s)are substantially perpendicular to the ground, a horizontal icemerchandiser with access door(s) oriented substantially parallel to theground or floor, one or multiple door units, and the like. At step 2204,a UV lamp is provided in a cavity of the ice merchandiser. According toone embodiment, the UV lamp is structured as an ultraviolet germicidalirradiation lamp configured to emit a germicidal ultraviolet beam. Atstep 2206, an anti-microbial coating is provided on a surface of the icemerchandiser. In one embodiment, the anti-microbial coating is provideon surfaces on the interior of cavity and on the exterior of the cavity(e.g., handles, exterior door surfaces, etc.). In other embodiments, theanti-microbial coating may only be applied to exterior ice merchandisersurfaces. Like the UV lamp, the anti-microbial coating is structured toinhibit growth and/or terminate harmful microorganisms that may causesickness to patrons utilizing the ice merchandiser. At step 2208, ahydrophobic coating is provided on a surface of the ice merchandiser.According to one embodiment, the hydrophobic coating is applied tointerior surfaces within the cavity. The hydrophobic coating isstructured to repel water, such that condensation and water is directedinto zones structured to receive the water. For example, a drain may beincluded in the bottom of the cavity and the hydrophobic coating isapplied in such a manner to direct all the water towards that drain.Accordingly, the hydrophobic coating may be selectively applied tocontrol direction of the repelled water. At step 2210, a thin film isapplied to a surface of the ice merchandiser. In one embodiment, thethin film is applied to a surface of a window on the ice merchandiser.The thin film is structured to prevent the formation of frost andcondensation on the window to permit easy view into the cavity. Asmentioned above, the thin film may be structured as an optically(substantially) clear polymer film.

At this point, method 2200 provides for a relatively hygienic (e.g.,steps 2204-2206: the UV lamp and the anti-microbial coating) and “clear”(step 2210: application of the thin film to substantially prevent anyhaze or fog from occurring on the window to maintain easy view of thecavity) ice merchandiser. As a result, method 2200 may attract patronsto the ice merchandiser because they are less fearful of receiving andtransmitting harmful microorganisms and can see that the icemerchandiser is stocked with bagged ice for the taking.

As further appeal to patrons, step 2212 provides for at least one of thehydrophobic coating and the anti-microbial coating being provided to thebagged ice product stored in the ice merchandiser. While the icemerchandiser may stay “clean and clear” from steps 2202-2210, suppliersmay bring harmful microorganisms into the ice merchandiser when theystock and re-stock the ice merchandiser. Accordingly, step 2212 providesfor reducing the harmful microorganisms on the bagged ice productitself. As a result, even during stocking and re-stocking, harmfulmicroorganisms are substantially prevented from formation. In turn,method 2200 may provide a relatively cleaner and clearer icemerchandiser, which leads to an increase in sales potential and customersatisfaction.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

It is to be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is notlimited to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings.The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or being practiced orcarried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is also important to note that although only a few embodiments of thecombination food and beverage serving have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in thedisclosed embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined inthe disclosed embodiments.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have beenlabeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize theirimplementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented asa hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules may also be implemented in machine-readable medium for executionby various types of processors. An identified module of executable codemay, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks ofcomputer instructions, which may, for instance, be organized as anobject, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of anidentified module need not be physically located together, but maycomprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which,when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve thestated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of computer readable program code may be a singleinstruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed overseveral different code segments, among different programs, and acrossseveral memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identifiedand illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in anysuitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure.The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may bedistributed over different locations including over different storagedevices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signalson a system or network. Where a module or portions of a module areimplemented in machine-readable medium (or computer-readable medium),the computer readable program code may be stored and/or propagated on inone or more computer readable medium(s).

The computer readable medium may be non-transitory, tangible computerreadable storage medium storing the computer readable program code. Thecomputer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limitedto, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared,holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

More specific examples of the computer readable medium may include butare not limited to a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an opticalstorage device, a magnetic storage device, a holographic storage medium,a micromechanical storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium may be any tangible medium that can contain, and/or storecomputer readable program code for use by and/or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The computer readable medium may also be a computer readable signalmedium. A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated datasignal with computer readable program code embodied therein, forexample, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagatedsignal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limitedto, electrical, electro-magnetic, magnetic, optical, or any suitablecombination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be anycomputer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage mediumand that can communicate, propagate, or transport computer readableprogram code for use by or in connection with an instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device. Computer readable program code embodied ona computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using anyappropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline,optical fiber cable, Radio Frequency (RF), or the like, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing.

In one embodiment, the computer readable medium may comprise acombination of one or more computer readable storage mediums and one ormore computer readable signal mediums. For example, computer readableprogram code may be both propagated as an electro-magnetic signalthrough a fiber optic cable for execution by a processor and stored onRAM storage device for execution by the processor.

Computer readable program code for carrying out operations for aspectsof the present invention may be written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languageor similar programming languages. The computer readable program code mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone computer-readable package, partly on the user'scomputer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotecomputer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may beconnected to the user's computer through any type of network, includinga local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or theconnection may be made to an external computer (for example, through theInternet using an Internet Service Provider).

The program code may also be stored in a computer readable medium thatcan direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, orother devices to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an articleof manufacture including instructions which implement the function/actspecified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic blockdiagrams block or blocks.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed:
 1. A merchandiser for storing a product for purchase bya customer, the merchandiser comprising: a housing defining a cavity; adoor coupled to the housing; a platform located in the cavity forholding the product; a load sensor structured to determine a weight ofthe product; and a controller coupled to the load sensor, wherein thecontroller is structured to unlock the door based on a validation ofpayment information of the customer, and determine a weight of productremoved during a transaction for the product based on a value regardingthe weight of the product removed during the transaction beingsubstantially constant for a preset amount of time.
 2. The merchandiserof claim 1, wherein the load sensor is included with the platform. 3.The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a display configured toshow at least one of a type and a cost for the product or instructionsfor using the merchandiser.
 4. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is structured to charge the customer for the determinedweight of product removed during the transaction.
 5. The merchandiser ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is structured to determine an initiationof the transaction for the product based on receiving informationregarding a payment card.
 6. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is structured to determine a completion of the transactionbased on at least one of an input indicating that the transaction iscomplete or a constant weight of product remaining in the merchandiserbeing detected for a preset amount of time.
 7. The merchandiser of claim1, wherein the controller is structured to determine a completion of thetransaction based on the door being in a close position for more than apreset amount of time.
 8. The merchandiser of claim 1, furthercomprising a payment card reader.
 9. A merchandiser for storing aproduct for purchase by a customer, the merchandiser comprising: ahousing that defines a cavity for storing the product; a controller forfacilitating a transaction for the product at the merchandiser, thecontroller comprising one or more processors coupled to one or morememory devices, the one or more memory devices having instructionsstored therein that are executable by the one or more processors tocause the one or more processors to: receive an input to initiate atransaction for the product, the input including a type and an amount ofproduct to be purchased; unlock a door of the merchandiser to enable aremoval of the product based on receiving the input; determine acompletion of the transaction based on the door being in a closeposition for more than a preset amount of time; and charge the customerfor the type and amount of product based on the completion of thetransaction.
 10. The merchandiser of claim 9, wherein the merchandiseris an ice merchandiser and the product is bagged ice.
 11. Themerchandiser of claim 9, further comprising a display and a payment cardreader.
 12. The merchandiser of claim 9, wherein the instructions thatare executable by the one or more processors further cause the one ormore processors to determine a weight of product removed during thetransaction based on a value regarding the weight of the product removedduring the transaction being substantially constant for a preset amountof time
 13. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the instructions thatare executable by the one or more processors further cause the one ormore processors to determine a type of product removed from themerchandiser based on the determined weight of product removed.
 14. Themerchandiser of claim 13, wherein the instructions that are executableby the one or more processors further cause the one or more processorsto charge the customer for the determined type and weight of productremoved from the merchandiser during the transaction irrespective of theinput type and amount of product to be purchased.
 15. The merchandiserof claim 13, wherein the instructions that are executable by the one ormore processors further cause the one or more processors to compare thedetermined weight of product removed to the input and provide an alertin response to the comparison.
 16. A method of operating a merchandiser,the method comprising: receiving an initiation of a transaction;unlocking a door of the merchandiser to enable a removal of a productduring the transaction based on receiving the initiation of thetransaction; determining that the transaction is complete; determining aweight of product removed during the transaction based on dataindicating the weight of the product removed during the transactionbeing substantially constant for a preset amount of time; and charging acustomer for the determined weight of product removed during thetransaction.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the merchandiser is anice merchandiser and the product is bagged ice.
 18. The method of claim16, further comprising providing, via a display of the merchandiser,instructions regarding how to use the merchandiser.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the transaction is initiated based on validation ofpayment card information for the transaction.
 20. The method of claim16, further comprising receiving an input regarding the product to bepurchased, comparing the input regarding the product to be purchased toa determined product based on the determined weight of product removed,and providing an alert based on the comparison.